Fraud online: Now Facebook scammer convicted in court

A 27-year-old Facebook scammer appeared in court this week were he was convicted of a charge of fraud.

Hawks spokesperson, Captain Christopher Singo, said Marius Smit appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on Thursday, 10 June 2021, where he was convicted for the crime that took place on 3 July 2019.

“The Hawks’ Communication Services Bloemfontein received information about the fraudulent advertising of vehicles for sale on Facebook,” Singh said.

“It is alleged that Smit requested a deposit from interested buyers for fuel money or delivery money of the vehicle. The victims would then deposit  the money by means of an e-wallet or money market transfers,” he saod.

“Smit would then withdraw the money and not deliver the vehicles to the victims as agreed.”

Singo said the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit launched a disruptive operation in Bloemfontein together with Hawks’ Communication Services.

“Smit was traced and arrested in Botshabelo while he was withdrawing the money at an ATM. Smit appeared in court on several occasions culminating to his recent conviction,” he said.

The court sentenced Smit to three years direct imprisonment for fraud.

 Meanwhile, a 39-year old Gauteng Nedgroup investment broker  appeared in court on charges of fraud and theft this week.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu said that Zama Precious Ngubane appeared in the Tsakane Magistrates Court on Thursday after she allegedly referred Nedgroup clients to external private investment brokers who promised them large returns on their investments.

“It is alleged that in April last year, three clients had a consultation at a Nedbank branch in Tsakane to invest an amount of R1.7 million collectively,” Mulamu said.

“During the consultation, clients were allegedly referred to a private investment broker, Ngubane who is the Director at Ezamankomo (PTY) Ltd.”

Mulamu said that Ngubane had allegedly promised the prospective clients “guaranteed” lucrative dividends that they would receive as part of a five year investment plan with her company.

Ngubane appeared in the Tsakane Magistrates Court on Thursday where she was granted R3000 bail.