Former ABSA Bank Business Development Officer, Thembisa Qinga (41) briefly appeared in Mthatha’s Specialized Commercial Crime Court on Tuesday, July 25, subsequent to her arrest by the Mthatha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) of the Hawks, National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and ABSA bank on the very same day for charges of fraud, alternatively theft and money laundering.
Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela confirmed that she appeared in court on the same day of her arrest and was released on R5 000 bail.
The matter is remanded to Thursday, August 10, for copies of the docket.
She said it is alleged that during the period between March 2012 and July 2013, the Forensic Investigator in Mthatha ABSA bank received several complaints of disputed personal loans and flexi-loans allegedly created fraudulently under client’s names at ABSA Bank in Mthatha Plaza.
“Internal investigation was conducted, and the matter was later referred to Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks for extensive probing.
“The investigations revealed that Qinga allegedly orchestrated the fraudulent loan applications using the client’s credentials without their consent.
“It is further alleged that she transferred funds to two accounts that belonged to her minor child, as she had a power of Attorney for the accounts using her unique password and unique bank teller card,” said Mgolodela.
She added that investigations further revealed that ABSA clients were prejudiced cash to more than R2.2 million.
The Hawks Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya commended the team for the success.
