R10,000 fine for Chinese nationals guilty of running unregistered cash loan business

Chinese nationals sentenced to R10 000 fine for operating unregistered cash loan businesses. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency (ANA)

Chinese nationals sentenced to R10 000 fine for operating unregistered cash loan businesses. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency (ANA)

Published Jul 18, 2023

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Two Chinese nationals have been sentenced to a fine of R10,000 for operating an unregistered cash loan business at Setlagole village near Atamelang.

The Atamelang Magistrate’s Court on Monday, convicted and sentenced Nengbiao Xue, 41, and Xiamei Chen, 47, to R10 000 fine each for operating an unregistered cash loan businesses.

In February 2023, the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in collaboration with the National Credit Regulator: Enforcement Division executed search and seizure warrants at two business premises operating as loan sharks in Setlagole.

Two suspects were arrested at their respective business premises for contravening section 133 of the national credit act, 2005 (act no. 34 of 2005).

"SASSA cards, bank cards, identity books and South Africa Post Office cards were seized at both premises during the operations," Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said.

“The duo made their first court appearance at Atamelang Magistrate’s Court on March 10, 2023,” Mathebula added.

On Monday, July 17, 2023, the accused entered into a separate plea bargaining with the state and they were found guilty and sentenced.

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