EASTERN CAPE – The Gqeberha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks in cooperation with ABSA Forensic Investigation Division secured a conviction of Kenneth Graham Wahl (64) for charges of fraud and contravention of the Identification Act 68 of 1997 on 2 August 2023.The charges against his co-accused, Theron Mamelane (43) has been withdrawn since he is deceased.
Between 26 April 2022 and 23 May 2022, Wahl and Mamelane opened two different fraudulent bank accounts at Vincent Park, East London ABSA branch and Walmer Park, Gqeberha ABSA branch. The accused persons used fraudulent identity cards of two legitimate late estate executors as they were recorded on the Master of High Court database to open two fraudulent late estate bank accounts.
Alan Grey Asset Management who has investments for one of the deceased persons was contacted by Wahl and Mamelane who requested that R4 million of the deceased person’s investment money be paid into one of the fraudulent ABSA bank accounts. On 2 June 2022, both accused contacted the National Deceased Estate Department in respect of the other deceased person and requested an amount of R1.1 million of the deceased person’s investment to be paid into another fraudulent account.
The ABSA Forensic Investigation Division started their internal investigation and picked up some discrepancies then the matter was referred to the Hawks for further probing. The investigation confirmed the duo as the culprits in opening fraudulent bank accounts and the failed attempts to prejudice the investment companies of more than R5 million. The suspects’ video footages and photographs were circulated to various ABSA bank branches and that led to their arrest on 7 June 2022. They were released on bail.
After numerous court appearances, the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted Wahl and the case was remanded to 28 August 2023 for sentencing.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=47607.
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