The Mthatha Specialised Crime Court has, on September 23, convicted and
sentenced Patricia Nobantu Xaki (58) and Victoria Noyolo Mtatambi (54) on charges
of theft.
In October 2012 a complaint was lodged by the Department of Justice ?
regarding the fraudulent activities conducted by the department employees
(Admin Clerks) at the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court.
The employees created fraudulent maintenance ghost files for none ?existing
people and made payment of maintenance to the value of R700? 000 for their
personal gain.
The matter was reported to Mthatha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation
Unit for further investigation.
After thorough investigation three clerks who were working? at the
maintenance section were subsequently arrested on April 30, 2021 and
appeared? the same? day at Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court where
they were released on a warning.
The matter was remanded on several occasions.
On September 23, 2021? Xaki and Mtatambi pleaded guilty on charges? of
theft. Accused number 3, Kholosa Qupha (47) did not plead guilty and as a result
a separation of trials was implemented.
Xaki was sentenced to pay R6 000 or undergo three months’ imprisonment. In
addition, she was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended
on condition that she does not commit theft during the period of suspension.
Mtatambi on the other hand was sentenced to pay R15? 000 or to undergo six months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that
the accused does not commit theft during the period of suspension.
The case against Qupha was remanded to November 30 for ?a separation of trial.
