The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit in Bloemfontein has bust a third suspect in an alleged syndicate that reportedly swindled a woman out of R722 000.
Lehlohonolo Emmanuel Chabedi (41) was granted bail of R8 000 by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (09/03). He had been nabbed the previous day on a charge of defrauding a woman through a bogus tender at the Free State Department of Health early last year.
Another two suspects, Liabeng Icknatia Hoffman (43) and Siza Isaac Mokwena (43), were arrested in September last year on similar charges.
Hawks spokesperson Capt. Christopher Singo said the accused, who introduced himself as Mosia, had approached the victim promising to arrange a tender to be allocated to her. The victim paid the suspect 10% in advance.
“The victim paid R72 000 to the accused,” said Singo.
The tender was estimated to be worth R720 000.
“During a further meeting with the accused, while discussing the contract, the other two suspects arrived and pretended to be police officials.
“They accused the victim of committing corruption. They then demanded money from the victim, threatening her with arrest. The victim then paid R650 000 because she was afraid of being arrested.”
Because of the various misrepresentations, the victim suffered a total loss of R722 000.
