Three of the four suspects under investigation for fleecing a Chinese investor of more than P14 million appeared before Broadhust Regional Magistrates court yesterday.
The three suspected swindlers, Iketleng Gabaeme, Tumelo Rakotala and Thabo Monageng are being investigated for defrauding a Chinese national and other victims using fake tender award documents.
A Chinese national is said to have been defrauded P14m and investigations are being carried out to establish more people who were defrauded.
The trio was nabbed by a joint operation done by the Directorate of Intelligence Services and Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime.
The fourth suspect, Tefo Mphothwe is still at large. When appearing before court, the law enforcement agencies applied for a further remand of the suspects as the lawful 48 hours detention had expired.
Their application was granted. Addressing members of the media after the court appearance, DIS Spokesperson, Edward Robert, said that the group is suspected to have worked with some public officers in their deals. “We expect more people to be arrested as our investigations continue. For now we cannot disclose much information since this is an operation between agencies, not only us the DIS but the DCEC too. We also hope that more agencies like BURS will be brought in if there is need,” explained Robert.
