In a startling case that has caught the attention of authorities, a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer has been arrested in connection with the misappropriation of over R36 million belonging to a deceased FNB client.
How a rogue cop allegedly embezzled R36 million from dead FNB client
As reported by News24, the incident has prompted an ongoing investigation by the Hawks across multiple provinces including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
The arrest of the police officer, along with eight other individuals aged between 35 and 48, took place this week as part of a meticulously planned operation by the Hawks.
This operation, coined ‘Tit for Tat’ was built upon four previous arrests made in relation to the alleged theft.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Matimba Maluleke, the initial arrest in the case involved a 29-year-old employee of First National Bank (FNB) named Thabiso Matenda, who was stationed in Makhado.
Matenda is accused of illegally creating a profile for the deceased client on 25 April 2022 and subsequently embezzling a staggering amount of R36 989 052.67.
The deceased individual, a foreign national businessman residing in South Africa, tragically lost his life in a fatal vehicle accident the day before, on 24 April 2022.
The funds stolen by Matenda were systematically transferred to newly created bank accounts, only to be recklessly squandered.
Further arrests were made in connection with the case, including Moses Banda, aged 48, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation.
Additionally, a Johannesburg couple identified as Nomaphelo Sethi, 28, and Rody Martial Nzeya, 43, were apprehended.
Reports indicate that the couple had received R6 million, which ultimately led to their arrest when they began to dispute ownership of the illicit funds.
The investigations revealed an astonishing revelation when the couple approached the Johannesburg police station to file a case of assault against one another.
Law enforcement officials soon discovered that the money at the centre of their dispute was, in fact, stolen, prompting the intervention of the Limpopo Hawks, who were already investigating the matter.
Commenting on the ongoing operation, Major General Gopz Govender, the provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, stated his determination to apprehend all individuals involved in this audacious crime.
He expressed confidence in the judicial system, emphasising his belief that all the accused would be convicted and receive severe sentences.