LIMPOPO – A 34-year-old woman has been convicted and sentenced by the Giyani Commercial Crime Court for defrauding a Malamulele man of more than R300 000 after pretending to be a Wesbank employee.

Zandile Nyandeni appeared in court on March 9, where she pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud.

Details of the crime

The court heard that between December 2023 and January 2024, Nyandeni orchestrated an elaborate scam that left the victim financially devastated.

According to evidence presented, on December 6 2023, Nyandeni contacted the male complainant telephonically.

The call appeared legitimate, with her number displaying on the victim’s Truecaller app as “Zandile Nyandeni- Wesbank.”

She falsely claimed the complainant had been selected as one of the bank’s honest customers and offered to assist in reducing his bank credit.

Believing he was dealing with a genuine bank representative, the complainant followed Nyandeni’s instructions to deposit money to “open a file” and initiate the documentation process.

Over several weeks, between December 2023 and January 2024, he made multiple payments totalling R312 000.

Nyandeni arrested

Captain Puffy Thomas Maluleke of the Limpopo Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit led the investigation, which uncovered the true nature of the scheme.

The probe revealed that Nyandeni was not employed by Wesbank, although she had previously worked as a call centre agent in Randburg, Gauteng.

All payments made by the complainant were traced to Nyandeni’s personal bank account.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a warrant for her arrest was then issued by the Malamulele Regional Court, and Nyandeni was traced and apprehended in the Alexandra Township in Gauteng on June 4 2024.

She was subsequently released on R10 000 bail.

Sentencing

During her court appearance, Nyandeni pleaded guilty to all seven charges and addressed both the court and the complainant directly, asking for forgiveness for her actions.

The court sentenced her to a fine of R400 000, or eight-years’ imprisonment. She was unable to pay the fine and has begun serving her sentence.

Additionally, the court declared her unfit to possess a firearm.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the conviction and praised the investigating officer for his thorough work in securing justice.

“This conviction demonstrates SAPS’ commitment to combating fraud and protecting the public from scammers who exploit people through deception. We urge community members to remain vigilant and verify any financial offers before making payments,” said Hadebe.