NOORDWESTER – OTTOSDAL - Mmakgomo Doris Ngcobo (42) appeared before the Ottosdal Magistrates’ Court on charges of fraud worth R2.3 million on Thursday, 13 February.
Reports indicated that in October 2021, a 63-year-old woman was approached by her friend recruiting her to join an investment scheme.
She allegedly took her to a traditional healer at Golf View, Mahikeng who then advised her to resign from her job, as she was due for pension - so that the ancestors could bless her.
The complainant was provided with a bank account number belonging to Makgomo Doris Ngcobo. The money was transferred into the said account and when she started to suspect wrongdoing, her phone calls went unaswered.
The matter was referred to the Mahikeng based Hawks ‘ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling. Following a lengthy investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued for Mmakgomo Doris Ngcobo and her husband, Mcbeth Ngcobo (49). However, Mmakgomo Doris Ngcobo could not attend court as she was already in custody on a separate fraud case. Mcbeth Ngcobo appeared alone before court on 16 January and was released on R10 000 bail.
On 12 February, Mmakgomo Doris Ngcobo was arrested at Johannesburg prison where she is still awaiting trial.
The North West Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book.
