Wynberg: Kgosi Lehlohonolo Makhotti (25) appeared before Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on 12 November 2024, for allegations of cyber fraud. His court appearance came after he was arrested by the Mthatha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks in a joint effort with Gauteng SAPS Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) on 11 November 2024. Makhotti is a prisoner-in-transit to Mthatha where he will make his court appearance before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court on 18 November 2024.

According to South African Police Service, it is alleged that, in 2019 Tyeks security was awarded a tender at OR Tambo District Municipality and Nasele Trading was appointed as a subcontractor. Subsequently, on 27 June 2019, it is reported that a representative from Tyeks made a money transfer to Nasele Trading’s bank account to the value of more than R278 000. Few days later, Nasele Trading refuted receiving any cash from Tyeks to their business bank account as it was reported to have been depos
ited. A case docket was opened and the matter was handed over to the Hawks for further investigation.

The investigations ensued where it was established that the account holder is Makhotti where the cash was deposited to. Further investigations confirmed that Makhotti is suspected to have hacked the banking system hence the cash never reached the intended recipient. Through intensive collaboration by the joint team, the suspect was traced and apprehended in Gauteng province on 11 November 2024 and made his short court appearance before Wynberg Magistrates court on 12 November 2024. Makhotti is remanded in custody as he is a prisoner-in-transit to Mthatha where he will make his court appearance before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court on 18 November 2024 to face his allegations.