Four suspects appeared in the Tseseng Magistrate’s Court on Friday (19/1) following their arrests and charges for fraud, money laundering, and the violation of the Cyber Crime Act and Electronic Communication Transaction Act.

Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti says between 2020 and 2022, Matshediso Merriam Mokoena (35), Ntswaki Chrestinah Sefako (38), Mabuti Johannes Mbongo (45), and Sabi Letta Mokwena (58), who were employees at the Tseseng Post Office and responsible for processing transactions to assist SASSA beneficiaries in receiving their grants, were allegedly issued with unique nontransferable numbers.

“They reportedly manipulated the amounts recorded in the system, inflating them and diverting the increased funds into their own and their associates’ bank accounts, rather than disbursing them to valid beneficiaries,” she said.

The suspects: Matshediso Merriam Mokoena, Ntswaki Chrestinah Sefako, Mabuti Johannes Mbongo, and Sabi Letta Mokwena (58). Picture: SAPS

The case was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Bethlehem for further scrutiny.

“This investigation uncovered substantial sums transferred to the accused individuals’ respective bank accounts: approximately R324,950 to Mokoena’s account, R887,010 to Sefako’s account, R7,527,107 to Mbongo’s account, and R1,700 to Mokwena’s account,” Matoti added.

The Tseseng Post Office suffered significant losses amounting to over R8.7 million as a result.

The case was referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Bethlehem.

The accused made their initial appearance in court on Thursday where they were remanded, appearing again the following day for a formal bail hearing. 

Mokoena, Sefako, and Mbongo were each granted bail of R10,000, while Mokwena was released on R5,000 bail. The matter was postponed to 22 January 2024 at the Bethlehem Specialised Commercial Crime Court.

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