MOKOPANE – Lerato Mmanoko Matlamela (33) and Lorraine Thantsha (25), on Thursday, were found guilty for fraud and sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment in the Mokopane Regional Court. 

The duo pretended to be officials from the Department of Health and informed a businessman that he was awarded a tender to supply wheelchairs at government facilities in the province.

“The victim was provided with the name and banking details of the recommended supplier and made an initial payment of R85 000, followed by a further R162 450 into the account provided,” reads a statement by Directorate of Priority Crimes Limpopo Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke.

The businessman decided to enquire with the department after he realised they are taking too long to pay him.

“Unfortunately, he was informed that the department never issued such a tender and that the people he was dealing with were not officials from the institution. A case of fraud was opened and transferred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation,” Maluleke said.

The accused were arrested in Polokwane while attempting to withdraw the money paid into the account.

They were released on R1 000 bail each. The Hawks warned potential business people to be careful of scammers and to verify with the concerned institutions before making any payments.