Fraudsters Sentenced in Mpumalanga Court for Tollgate Credit Card Scam

In a firm ruling that underscores South Africa's commitment to combating financial crimes, Erick Thulani Phiri (32) and Lourens Zitha (30) were sentenced for their involvement in a fraud scheme at Nkomazi tollgate. The Low’s Creek periodical court found the duo guilty of using stolen and counterfeit bank cards to facilitate unlawful tollgate access, a breach of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The undercover sting operation, conducted near the busy N4 by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in collaboration with FNB and Nedbank forensic investigators, led to the apprehension of the accused. Erick Phiri was caught red-handed with stolen credit cards that had accrued an actual financial loss of R 16,314.76. His activities at the tollgate ended abruptly on 24 April 2024 as he was handed a sentence on 19 September - a choice of a R 3,000 fine or three months’ incarceration.

Lourens Zitha was in possession of a slew of incriminating evidence, including an FNB debit card and various transaction slips from the tollgate, which together indicated illicit transactions summing up to R 19,620. His activities mirrored his partner's criminal manner, including harboring stolen FNB and Nedbank credit cards. Zitha's acknowledgement of guilt did little to lighten his sentence as he now faces a R 6,000 fine or six months behind bars, also sentenced on 19 September 2024.

These proceedings threw into sharp relief the excellent investigative work conducted by the Hawks and the bank forensic teams, earning praise from Major General Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Hawks. He commended the swiftness in which the case was finalized and the subsequent sentencing. Moreover, General Gerber's words carried a palpable warning to those contemplating similar misdeeds. The DPCI (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) within Mpumalanga maintained a stance of zero tolerance toward activities that compromise the financial security of its communities.

The sentencing of Phiri and Zitha serves as a deterrent and a promise of continued vigilance and efficient law enforcement against such acts of fraud in the future.