From the June 22 to July 5, 2016, the accused acted in common purpose with unknown people, unlawfully, falsely and with intent to defraud, misrepresented to the complaint, Mr Andries Harmse of Dolphin Print, that the Department of Health had contracted Dolphin Print to supply a Y2K Solar Geyser, whereas the accused knew that the contract was non-existent.

The accused induced Mr Harmse to pay R148 615 for a Y2K Solar Geyser.

It was misrepresented to Mr Harmse that HM Manufacturing was the supplier of the Y2K Solar Geyser.

In July 2016, the matter was reported to the police and a case was opened and later handed to the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.

During the investigation, Mr Mokoena was linked to the following case and charged as follows:
Count 1: Fraud, alternative theft.

Count 2: Contravening Section 4(b) read with Sections 1, 7A and 8 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998.

Alternative count: Theft.

Second alternative count: Money laundering.

The investigation was finalised, and the accused was sentenced by the Middelburg Regional Court on Thursday, May 30.

He was found guilty on the first alternative count (theft) and all second alternative counts (money laundering) and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of theft or contravening Sections 4, 5 or 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

He was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act.

The matter was postponed to July 9 for the Public Prosecutor’s application for a confiscation inquiry in terms of Section 18(1) of POCA.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber, applauded the collaborative efforts by the investigative team and prosecution authority for ensuring that justice prevailed.