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IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South African Post Bank scam leader appeals conviction and sentence
One of the ringleaders in a South African Post Bank scam turned to the Supreme Court of Appeal against one of his convictions and against what he deems to be a harsh sentence Image: Supplied One of the ringleaders behind a South African Post Bank scam, which targeted clients' bank accounts, turned to the Supreme Court of Appeal to appeal against the fact that he was twice convicted under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca), based on the same facts. He is also appealing against his 40-year imprisonment, which he says is shockingly harsh. In 2015, the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, sentenced nine fraudsters involved in the scam to an effective 1,680 years combined for defrauding the Post Bank, forgery and uttering, money laundering, and stealing from unsuspecting persons' accounts, as well as racketeering. Isaac Dithlakanyane, an enterprise owner and one of the main characters behind the scam, was sentenced to 50 years in jail. This was later reduced on appeal before the high court to 40 years behind bars. He colluded with eight Post Bank employees to open fraudulent accounts and deposit fraudulent pension pay-outs and stolen cheques. Dithlakanyane stole an amount of R2.2 million from the Post Bank, and he was convicted on 76 counts. Dithlakanyane turned to the SCA in a bid to have one of his convictions under Poca set aside, as he said the second conviction under this Act is based on the same set of facts and evidence, and it amounts to a splitting of convictions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading He earlier received a sentence of 30 years in jail for the Poca conviction, which he now says is a duplicate charge. Dithlakanyane submitted that it was not only in the interests of justice for him, but for the prosecution and society at large for the appeal to be considered on this narrow question of law. The trial court earlier heard evidence that Dithlakanyane was part of a criminal enterprise which focused on looting the South African Post Bank. Corrupt Post Office employees were used as 'agents' who would identify bank accounts from which the members of the criminal enterprise could steal. Once they had identified the accounts with a sufficient credit balance, they would forward the information to Dithlakanyane. He then procured various documents, such as forged identification documents. A 'runner' was then chosen, who was prepared to falsely claim to be the account holder of the targeted account. The runner would then present the false documents to the Post Office Bank with demands for monies from genuine accounts. The evidence led during the trial showed that Dithlakanyane managed the criminal enterprise which preyed upon account holders. The SCA said it was clear from the evidence that Dithlakanyane was closely linked in time and place to the fraudulent transactions. However, the court found that he cannot be convicted on two Poca charges, based on the same evidence. The SCA subsequently overturned the first Poca conviction for which he had received 30 years.
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Deal or No Deal Celebrity' aiming to change more lives in second season
Host Katlego Maboe himself was surprised when he was revealed as the contestant in the first season. Deal or No Deal Celebrity host Katlego Maboe former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi on the first season of the show. Picture: Supplied After raising over R2.2 million for more than 40 charity organisations across South Africa, reality TV game show Deal or No Deal Celebrity returns to the screen for a second season on SABC 1. In the first season, celebrities such as Moshe Ndiki, former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, Dr Malinga, DJ Cleo, Robot Boii, and many more navigated the high-pressure environment of the show in their unique ways. #DealOrNoDealCelebSA is back for Season 2! Catch the drama this Saturday at 18:00 on @Official_SABC1. Watch your favourite celebs take on the banker for charity. Which celeb do you think will take the hot seat first? — Deal or No Deal Celebrity SA (@DONDCelebrityZA) June 6, 2025 Host Katlego Maboe himself was surprised when he was revealed as the contestant in the first season. 'Being in the hot seat of the show that I've hosted for so long was a wild, wild experience. 'First of all I had no idea that the crew and the cast were going to throw that curveball my way,' Maboe told The Citizen at the time. In cahoots with the banker, media personality Hulisani Ravele flipped the script on Maboe when the faceless money man, who always relays all his messages through Maboe, demanded to speak to the former YoTV presenter. Ravele broke the news to Maboe that the banker instructed her to run the show for this special episode, and he would be the one in the hot seat. The second season of the show will premiere on SABC 1 on Saturday at 6:00pm. ALSO READ: Katlego Maboe says being in 'Deal or No Deal Celebrity' hot seat is a 'wild, wild experience' Aiming to change more lives Maboe won R150 000 on the show and donated his winnings to Hope Cape Town, which he has supported for just over a decade. 'I've stayed with the organisation since 2014 because I've noticed that they're a group of really dedicated people who are very focused on the work that they do,' said the bubbly media personality. Hope Cape Town provides holistic services in medical treatment, care, and support to numerous marginalised communities adversely affected by HIV/Aids. The non-governmental organisation (NGO) showed appreciation to Maboe on social media. Although Maboe and other celebrities funnelled substantial amounts of cash to various NGOs, courtesy of show sponsor LottoStar, only two hit the jackpot prize of R250 000 with their ingenious gameplay and Lady Luck smiling upon them. Rorisang Thandekiso donated her winnings to a charity close to her heart, Paediatric Care Africa, while Pearl Modiadie chose the Tshepang Care Centre from her hometown, Thembisa. Paediatric Care Africa – an NGO providing general and specialist medical care to children countrywide, including secluded areas with no or limited access to doctors and hospitals – used the donation to pay for the shipping and road transport of a 40-feet container from the UK, filled with critical medical equipment, hospital furniture, walkers, wheelchairs and buggies. 'The quality of life of many children and their caregivers changed dramatically due to this export made possible by Deal or No Deal Celebrity and LottosStar,' said Joyce Cromptvoets, Head of Office at Paediatric Care Africa. For Sarah Sibiya, the founder of the Tshepang Care Centre, the quarter of a million rand from Modiadie's win is much more than a donation. 'Before we had received the money, we struggled to keep the centre going. It has brought hope, love and much-needed support to our community,' said Sibiya. LottoStar's Head of Marketing, Maria Pavli, said such stories are a reminder of the pride they have in supporting the show. 'It's a rare opportunity to be part of something that's not only entertaining but truly life-changing,' said Pavli. NOW READ: Warren Masemola: 'Presley and I fought a lot' as Tsotsi star is laid to rest in Pretoria
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- The Citizen
Trio convicted for gruesome farm attack in Eastern Cape
The accused tortured a farm owner by binding him, scalding him with hot water, and threatening to dismember him with a chainsaw. Three people who tortured a farm owner by binding him, scalding him with hot water, and threatening to dismember him with a chainsaw in the Eastern Cape have been convicted following the gruesome farm attack. The trio, 26-year-old Odwa Dyabana, 29-year-old Luthando Ngangelizwe and 31-year-old Siseko Qhayisa, were found guilty by the Eastern Cape High Court sitting in East London. The farm attack occurred on 20 February 2024 at Lorain Farm in Bluewater, within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Conviction on multiple charges The three were found guilty on multiple counts, including robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, pointing of a firearm, five counts of kidnapping, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. In addition, Dyabana was convicted of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving in a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred during their attempt to flee. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said a fourth suspect, 26-year-old Lundi Magobongo, who had also been charged, was acquitted. 'This is after the court accepted his version that he was a contracted e-hailing driver who merely transported the accused and found that there was no evidence linking him directly to the commission of the crimes'. ALSO READ: Four arrested for Free State farm murder, kidnapped wife rescued The farm attack During the trial, the court heard how the trio arrived at the farm under the pretence of wanting to buy dogs. Once they had gained the trust of the farm owner, they lured him to the kennels using his Toyota Land Cruiser. There, they produced firearms, tied him up, and returned to the farmhouse, where they continued their robbery. Tyali said the farm owner and four employees were assaulted, kidnapped, and held hostage during the ordeal. 'The attackers tortured the farm owner by binding him, scalding him with hot water, and threatening to dismember him with a chainsaw in an attempt to force him to reveal the location of safe keys. Accused fled the crime scene 'When their efforts to access the safes failed, the assailants used tools to dislodge them from the walls, loaded them onto the stolen Land Cruiser, and fled the scene in a convoy that included the victim's Toyota Hilux,' Tiyali said. Tiyali said the stolen goods, which included the two vehicles, rifles, wedding rings, wristwatches, binoculars, and other valuables, were valued at more than R2.2 million 'As the accused fled the scene, a collision occurred on the N2 near Beacon Bay between the Land Cruiser, a Toyota Quantum and VW Polo, during which a woman sustained spinal injuries and later passed away in hospital. 'The remainder of the 15 passengers sustained minor to severe injuries. Dyabana was also convicted of her death,' Tiyali said. Arrest near crime scene Dyabana and Ngangelizwe were apprehended near the scene during the getaway — Ngangelizwe after falling from the back of the Land Cruiser, and Dyabana while trying to flee on foot. 'Qhayisa evaded arrest at the time but was captured a few days later. 'The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges. Sentencing proceedings are scheduled to take place from 1 to 4 July 2025 at the East London High Court,' Tiyali said. The NPA said it will 'pray for the court' to impose harsh sentences for the crimes. ALSO READ: Calls to address farm murders after Trump meeting [VIDEO]
IOL News
01-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Scatec wins major battery storage project in South Africa
Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec ASA has been named the preferred bidder for the 123 MW/492 MWh Haru Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in South Africa Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec has been named the preferred bidder for the 123 MW/492 MWh Haru Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in South Africa by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, as part of the third bid window of the country's Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. Under a 15-year agreement, Scatec will receive payments for providing storage capacity to the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), which will use the capacity to stabilise the national grid. The project, with an estimated capital expenditure of R2.2 billion, will be financed through 90% non-recourse project debt and 10% equity from the owners. Scatec's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts account for approximately 80% of the total capex. 'This award strengthens our position as a leading renewable energy provider in South Africa,' said Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog. 'Battery storage is critical to the energy transition, and we are committed to driving progress in our core markets.' The project builds on Scatec's experience with hybrid solar and battery storage projects at Kenhardt and the ongoing Mogobe BESS project. 'Dispatchable energy and robust grid infrastructure are vital for South Africa's sustainable energy future,' said Alberto Gambacorta, the general manager and EVP for Sub-Saharan Africa at Scatec. Scatec will hold a 50.01% equity stake in the project, with Stanlib's Greenstreet and Redstreet Funds owning 44.99% and a Community Trust holding 5%. Scatec will also provide EPC, operations and maintenance (O&M), and asset management services. The project, located in the Free State Province, is expected to reach commercial close by the end of Q1 2026. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
PowerBall Player Wins R68 Million Jackpot
Could you be the millionaire we're waiting for? One lucky player became an instant millionaire on Friday night after winning a whopping R68 million from the PowerBall draw. The lucky player struck gold after matching five numbers and a powerball. The National Lottery operator is yet to release more information on this life-changing win when the winner comes forward. If you placed a bet for the PowerBall draw from Friday, be sure to check your ticket because you might be the winner. Ithuba is also on the search for a PowerBall Plus jackpot winner to won R2.2 million on 12 November 2024. The winning ticket was purchased in Mayfield Square in Johannesburg and has yet to be claimed. It expires on 12 November 2025. In case you missed it, here are Friday's winning numbers: PowerBall: 01, 17, 18, 27, 49. Bonus ball: 15 PowerBall Plus: 14, 17, 33, 43, 46. Bonus ball: 02 ALSO READ: PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results: Friday, 23 May 2025 While great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the results mentioned above, The Citizen does not take responsibility for any errors in the results. Players are advised to verify the numbers on the National Lottery website. What happens after winning? Winners receive an SMS from their respective banks with a reference number and further instructions on the documents they should bring when visiting Ithuba. When a player wins less than R250 000, they get their money directly deposited into their bank account if they had used a banking app to play. Winners who win more than R250 000 are referred to the lottery operator, Ithuba, for a payout. Free financial and trauma counselling is given to all winners who win above R50 000, tax-free. Players must be 18 years or older to participate. How to play PowerBall? To play Powerball, a player chooses five numbers between 1 and 50 followed by a PowerBall number between 1 and 20 prior to the draw. The system also provides a quick pick selection method where it randomly chooses all the numbers on your behalf. PowerBall tickets are also available on selected banking apps. Terms and conditions apply. Tickets are available for purchase until 8.30pm on draw days (Tuesday and Friday). Tickets can also be bought on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 11.30pm. The national lottery also gives you a chance to win money every day from the daily lotto. The draw takes place every evening just after 9.30pm. Tickets for the Daily Lotto can be bought every day until 8.30pm.
