Bogus EC church minister summoned over allegations of fraud

A bogus church minister is set to appear in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering.

A bogus church minister is set to appear in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering.

Published May 4, 2022

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CAPE TOWN - A bogus church minister is set to appear in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court later this month on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said the 40-year-old suspect was served with summons by the Mthatha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks on Tuesday.

“It is alleged that on August 4, 2016, the suspect submitted a fraudulent matric and a Theology degree certificate when applying for a position of a reverend at Reformed Presbyterian Church, Ross Mission in Mthatha.

“It is further alleged that the suspect was subsequently employed by the church. After his employment the church forwarded his certificates to its head office for verification. It is reported that the certificates were verified as fraudulent,” Mgolodela said.

The church members lodged a complaint against the reverend with the authorities.

A Hawks investigation later revealed that the church was prejudiced out of cash to the value of more than R80 000 as a result of the salaries paid to the suspect.

“He is expected to make his first court appearance in Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes court on May 30, 2022,” Mgolodela said.

Hawks provincial head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya lauded the Mthatha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for their efforts in eradicating crime.

Cape Times

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Crime and courts