16 Nov 2014

Three South Africa nationals facing a single count of conspiracy to defraud a bank are to appear once more before Village Magistrate Court for update on progress in police investigations.

The trio, who recently appeared before Magistrate Priscilla Ditlhong, for bail application, prior to requesting for variation of bail conditions before Village Chief Magistrate Ms Linah Oahile-Mokibe, are expected back in court onNovember 20. 

They are Henry Jacob Spangenberg (46) of 822 Lyster Ave, Krugersdorp; Sarel Johannes Geldenhuys (56) of Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria and Pieter Gerhardus Spangenberg (44) of 157 Lyster Ave, Krugersdorp, South Africa. Particulars of the offense indicate that the trio and another not before court between August 2014 and October 15, 2014 in Gaborone acting jointly and for a common purpose conspired to defraud Barclays Bank Botswana by fraudulently and unlawfully issuing a false swift transfer order One billion Euros.   

The first and second accused are represented by attorney Yalani Boko while the third accused is represented by attorney Friday Leburu, who has since confirmed that the men have left for South Africa after satisfying all their bail conditions, which included payment of large sum of cash among others.

Initially the three men were to each deposit P25 000 with the treasury office and provide two local sureties each paying the same amount of P25 000 each.

They were also to report at serious crime squad every Mondays and surrender their travelling documents. 

Further, they were to secured accommodation from a known local.   However, the chief magistrate has made it possible for them to stay and attend court mentions from their country after they each paid P25 000 and secured a local surety who paid P150 000. 

The three accused who told the court that they are self-employed, are currently jointly investigated by Serious Crime Squad and Financial Intelligence Agency . 

Assistant Superintendent Lentlhabetse Willie of Broadhurst Police Station prosecutes in the matter, while plea has been reserved. ENDS