The trial against four accused implicated in defrauding three Standard Bank clients of more than R26 million is set for 21 March in the Free State High Court.
They are Kelebogile Tlhatlosi, Brian Odora, Gotshawanetse Mmoniemang Adora and Ellen Mahlulo.
Their case was transferred to the High Court for trial after appearing at a pre-trial hearing on 14 December.
The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit has since secured a preservation order for more than R7 million.
The elite crime fighting unit successfully applied for the preservation order in the Free State High Court in November last year.
The money is part of the R26 million reportedly swindled from bank accounts of the three victims.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said fraudulent transactions were done in November and December 2021.
He said that Tlhatlosi and her co-accused, Mmoniemang Adora, were both working for the bank at that point in time.
He said the pair allegedly colluded with Brian Odora and Mahlulo to defraud the three victims.
“Several transfers of money were made from the three victims’ accounts without their knowledge. As a result, Standard Bank was prejudiced and suffered a total loss of more than R26 million,” explained Singo.
“Investigation in order to secure more preservation orders is ongoing.”
The granting of a preservation order followed the arrest of the suspects after investigation was launched in 2021. Singo said a breakthrought followed the arrest of the suspects between December 2021 and October last year.
They are out on bail ranging from R800 to R10 000.
