Suspects arrested defrauding a burial scheme R 800K

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The Mthatha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) has arrested four accused Nandipha Mfoboza (52), Busisiwe Nondudule (52), Faniswa Nobambela (44) and Nommiselo Solani (47) in connection with allegations of fraud.

The complainant acting on behalf of Thuso Fund Burial Society headquartered in Orkney, North West province, reported that during May 2025 the Head Office detected suspicious First National Bank (FNB) deposit slips, which were ostensibly submitted from its Eastern Cape branches.

This prompted an internal audit process aimed at verifying the authenticity of the deposit documentation and reconciling the reflected amounts with the company’s official bank statements. The matter was referred to the Hawks for an in-depth probe. The investigation revealed material discrepancies.

Several deposit slips submitted under the Mthatha Main Branch were reportedly found to be fictitious. It is alleged that the amounts reflected therein did not correspond with any deposits recorded in the company’s bank account.

Preliminary findings allegedly pointed to deliberate misrepresentation and systematic manipulation of financial records.

Further investigation alleged that through the submission of fictitious deposit slips, the accused misrepresented that funds had been deposited into the company’s account, thereby causing actual financial prejudice amounting to R800 000.

Subsequent investigations conducted by the Hawks identified four employees allegedly linked to the fraudulent scheme, which culminated in their arrest on 18 February 2026. They made their first appearance on the same day,