Eight Suspected Fraudsters Arrested in Makhado for Bank Statement and GEPF Letter Scam

Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Accused Individuals Appear in Court

Eight individuals suspected of financial fraud appeared before the Makhado Magistrate Court on Monday, 30 January 2024.

Allegations of Counterfeit Bank Statements and GEPF Letters

The group is accused of defrauding a cash loans business in Makhado using counterfeit bank statements and Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF) letters between June and September 2019.

Fraudulent Loan Applications

The accused applied for personal loans at the business under false pretenses, and their applications were approved. In total, the individuals received over R250,000.

Uncovering the Fraud

The fraud was uncovered by the business’s management, who reported the incident to the Makhado police.

The Hawks Take Over the Investigation

The investigation was then taken over by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Polokwane.

The Arrest of the Alleged Fraudsters

Warrants to arrest the suspects were obtained and executed between 28 and 29 January 2024. The successful apprehension of the accused resulted from this operation.

• Loba Mathonsi (52)
• Shogole Ramaisile (48)
• Johanna Ramodike (40)
• Winnie Molala (39)
• Raesibe Masopogo (38)
• Merriam Kekana (54)
• Oniky Morema (39)
• Refiloe Ramokolo (28)

The Search for the Remaining Suspects

The Hawks are still searching for the remaining suspects, including the suspected mastermind, who is believed to be at large.

Call to Report Suspicious Activities

This fraud case comes amidst a rise in financial crimes in South Africa. Various institutions have urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Hawks’ Commitment

The Hawks reiterated their commitment to investigating and apprehending those involved in such illicit activities.