Mabizela orchestrated a scheme to secure fraudulent vehicle loans.
Key Points:
- Mabizela convicted for his role in a R4.6 million bank fraud scheme.
- He fabricated documents to secure vehicle loans for clients without payments.
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His accomplice is still standing trial, and the court will sentence Mabizela in June 2025.
Conviction Secured by Hawks
On Thursday, April 3, the East London Regional Court convicted a 41-year-old man of fraud. The East London Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team secured Thobani Mabizela’s conviction.
The Hawks arrested Mabizela in October 2019, along with his accomplice, Zamile Nongongo, 52.
Fraudulent Scheme Exposed
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana explained that between January 2018 and February 2019, Mabizela intentionally fabricated and distributed fake bank statements and pay slips to his clients. He would then submit these documents to various banks and vehicle dealerships in an effort to secure vehicle finance loans.
“The banks approved the loans based on the fraudulent documents, and they handed the vehicles over to the clients without any payments,” Mhlakuvana said.
Investigation and Arrest
The banks discovered discrepancies in the documents submitted by Mabizela and his associates, which uncovered the fraudulent activity. The Hawks then investigated the matter further.
Following an extensive investigation, the Hawks determined that Mabizela was the mastermind behind a network that defrauded banks of over R4.6 million. Mabizela has remained in custody since his arrest and has made several unsuccessful attempts to secure bail during his court appearances.
Accomplice’s Trial Ongoing
Nongongo’s trial is ongoing, and he has been in detention since his arrest. Mabizela’s case has been adjourned to June 30, 2025, for sentencing.
