Suspect in RDP fraud scam arrested
Sfiso Johannes Khumalo (40), was arrested and taken into custody by the Middelburg Magistrate Court on Tuesday, after he was arrested by members of Mpumalanga Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, assisted by members of Crime Intelligence, on Monday.
He was listed as wanted by the police in October last year.
The arrest came on the back of a warrant issued against him, after he was warned to appear before the court on 24 July last year, which he failed to do.
It is alleged that in October 2018, Sylvia Nyandeni (43) an employee of Steve Tshwete Municipality, allegedly colluded with Khumalo to defraud applicants of RDP houses in Middelburg.
Nyandeni allegedly misrepresented herself as having the authority to receive money from the destitute applicants.
The defrauded victims were given the bank account of Khumalo to deposit the funds, which amounted to just over R700 000. Nyandeni and Khumalo reportedly shared the proceeds.
For his July appearance, Khumalo entered a sick note at court and was ordered to appear alongside Nyandeni in court again on 20 August 2020. He was informed accordingly, but he once again absconded.
The court consequently issued a warrant of arrest against Khumalo who was apprehended by members of the Mpumalanga Crime Intelligence.
The Provincial Head for the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, lauded the arrest.
Major General Mokoena said similar crimes should be reported to the investigating officer, Sergeant Amos Mahlangu on 071 481 3069 or contact Crime stop 0860 010111 or by sending a tip-off via MySAPSApp.
All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.
The case against the suspect is postponed to 30 March to join the first accused.
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