THREE ACCUSED ARRESTED FOR OVER R4 MILLION FRAUD
MPUMALANGA – Ronny Germany Ngwenyama (44), Tinyiko Shadrack Golele (44) and the company, Frugasmart CC appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ court on Wednesday, 10 November 2021 after they were arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for fraud, theft and money laundering of over R4.5 million.
It is alleged that in September 2018, the accused who was employed by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform at Mpumalanga Provincial Government as project manager, but now employed in Polokwane at the Department of Agriculture, colluded with Mr Ngwenyama, the sole director of Frugasmart CC company over the land claim of Brown community, Makhatini community and Tlharesamadi community.
It is further alleged that the above-mentioned communities submitted applications for the land claim and it was approved by the minister but instead of the communities being informed about the approval, Golele colluded with Ngwenyama to submit fraudulent invoices on behalf of the communities as if he rendered services for them, whereas the services were never rendered.
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After submission of invoices, the department paid Frugasmart CC causing an actual loss of R 4.5 million. Upon receiving the said money, it was allegedly shared between Ngwenyama and Golele and they further distributed it to their families who are yet to be arrested.
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The accused were released on R5000 bail each and the case was postponed to 4 February 2022 for tracing of outstanding accused and instructions. The investigation is continuing.
