Meanwhile, in Mpumalanga, five individuals accused of defrauding Capitec Bank of over R2 million through a fraudulent loan scheme have been granted bail.

The accused – Christopher Mduduzi Zelani (36), Eric Khumalo (53), Mthobisi Mahlobo (32), Austin Mabuza (27), and Zithobile Mango (41) – were arrested last week during a sting operation spanning Mpumalanga and Bronkhorstspruit.

They appeared in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing multiple charges, including fraud, corruption, forgery, and money laundering.

Inside Job: Bank Employees Involved

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the syndicate operated between August 2021 and August 2023, using fraudulent documents and enlisting Capitec bank employees to approve fake loans and credit cards.

“They recruited insiders to process fraudulent loan applications. Once the funds were approved, the money was split among them,” said NPA regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

The scam reportedly cost Capitec Bank over R2 million.

Strict Bail Conditions

The suspects were released on R5,000 bail each under strict conditions:

They must report to the police station twice a week.

They must surrender their travel documents.

They cannot leave the country without notifying the investigating officer.

The case was postponed to May 8, 2025, to allow for further investigations and possible additional arrests.

Nyuswa confirmed that the case is part of a collaborative project between the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit and the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, aimed at fast-tracking bank fraud cases and protecting South Africa’s financial institutions.