The Gqeberha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks is once more lauded by the Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Selina Maponya for securing the sentencing of Raydson Lehlogonolo Ntsala (35) by Gqeberha Regional Court on 23 February 2022 on charges of fraud.
On 07 November 2017, while the victim was in Germany visiting her daughter, Ntsala hacked the victim’s computer and then sent an email to the victim purporting to be the victim’s broker who had previously indicated that he wanted to make an investment of R350 000 on her (the victim’s) behalf.
The victim, upon receiving the email requesting the authorisation of the amount previously agreed upon; knowing the deal between herself and her broker, authorised the amount of R350 000. Thereafter, the victim contacted the broker checking if everything was in order but the broker had no knowledge about the investment. It was then established that the broker’s email was hacked.
The matter was reported to the Hawks for investigation which resulted in the arrest of Ntsala in Rustenberg on 28 January 2021. He was released on R2000 bail by the Gqeberha New Law Court. After a series of court appearances, Ntsala was ultimately convicted on 14 October 2021.
He was sentenced to three years correctional supervision and instructed to pay back the complainant. He must pay R10 000-00 immediately, thereafter R3500 per month to the complainant until the R350 000-00 is paid in full.