GAUTENG – The Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court heard yesterday how an alleged ring leader on government order scam reportedly convinced a 53-year-old Lillian Raesibe Masilela to open a bank account for him and keep the bank card.

It is alleged that in May 2020, the complainant was lured to believe that he was successfully awarded a tender to supply the Department of Water and Sanitation in Pretoria with 55 Zallex 12 water pumps. Further investigation revealed that the complainant was re-directed to a Cape Town based company, Abitex Top Traders to supply him with the requested goods by the department worth approximately R118 372.

The complainant apparently transferred the money into the bank account provided for on the invoice.

To the complainant’s realisation that goods were not being delivered, he immediately reported the matter with the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Pretoria for further probing.

A thorough and successful investigation was conducted by authorities which resulted in a warrant of arrest being issued against Masilela’s co-accused and alleged kingpin, Richard Jjuuko (48).

Jjuuko was arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering at the same court on 09 March 2022 during his conviction where he was sentenced on another fraud related matter. Jjuuko was remanded in custody pending investigation and is expected back in court on 11 April 2022 where he will be joined by Masilela.

Masilela was also arrested and charged with fraud and money laundering on Thursday, 24 March at Mokopane in Limpopo. She appeared in court on Friday, 25 March 2022 and was released on a warning pending investigation.

Source: South African Police Service