Patricia Nobantu Xaki (58) and Victoria Noyolo (54) were convicted and sentenced by Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 23 September 2021 for charges of theft.

In October 2012, a complaint was lodged by the Department of Justice regarding the fraudulent activities conducted by the Department employees (Admin Clerks) at the Mthatha Magistrate Court. The employees created fraudulent maintenance ghost files for non-existing people and made payment of maintenance to the value of R700, 000 for their personal gain.

The matter was reported Mthatha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation. After thorough investigation three clerks who were working ​at the maintenance section were subsequently arrested on 30 April 2021 and appeared ​the same day at Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court where they were released on warning.

The matter was remanded on several occasions. On 23 September 2021, ​Xaki and Mtatambi pleaded guilty on charges​ of theft. Accused number 3 Kholosa Qupha (47) did not plead guilty and as a result a separation of trials was implemented.

Xaki was sentenced to pay R6000 or undergo (3) months imprisonment. In addition she was sentenced to five years imprisonment wholly suspended on condition that she does not commit theft during the period of suspension. Mtatambi on the hand was sentenced to pay R15​ 000 or to undergo six months imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused does not commit theft during the period of suspension.

The case against third accused Kholosa Qupha (57) who did not plead guilty was remanded to 30 November 2021 for a separation of trial.

Source: South African Police Service