2 Tshwane hackers granted bail, 7 others remain behind bars
Two suspects were granted bail on Friday after they appeared at the Alexandra Magistrates court, north of Johannesburg.
They are among a group of 9 people arrested for defrauding the City of Tshwane.
The suspects, aged between 23 and 60, alleged hacked into the municipality’s system in 2019, funnelling R53 million into various bank accounts.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says only Cheryl Nel and Glen Spambo were granted bail of R10 000 each while the rest of the suspects were denied bail.
Merriam Mogoera, Clement Makhanya, Mzamo Gumede, Martin Nhlapo, Christiaan Mnqayi, Wandile Malinga and Castano Manuel will appear before Pretoria Special Commercial Crimes court next Friday for formal bail application.
“Cash was transferred to different bank accounts including that of Ayakhula Trading. The former director of the company, Mr Sithole and Mr Wegrostek were arrested immediately after the fraudulent transaction.
“The Ayakhula Trading is also implicated in similar fraudulent act where an estimated R1 billion JSE Trustee account was targeted by this business syndicate, thanks to the Absa banker’s suspicions of irregularities. The alert action saw the National Task Team linking nine individuals to the attack on the municipality,” says Mogale.
They face charges of fraud and corruption.
Mogale adds law enforcement is strengthening its case against lawlessness.
“The fight against looting of the municipality funds that cripple service delivery will continue until the perpetrators are prosecuted.”
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