A Tembisa fuel businessman who in 2019 was accused along with his daughter of scamming motorists has been cleared.
Sandile Sikhosana, who owned an Engen petrol station franchise in the township east of Joburg, provided The Star a police clearance yesterday. He also provided a stamped verdict.
He went this route because the paper published an article about his case at the time. He was arraigned at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court along with his daughter, Nompulelelo.
“It’s important that people know that I was found not guilty. People these days conduct research about whoever they go into business with.
“Unfortunately, news stories have not been updated that I was acquitted. My daughter was acquitted too,” said Sikhosana.
The stamped verdict stated that Sikhosana and his daughter were not guilty of 19 counts. The clearance certificate indicated that he had no criminal he had no criminal record.
The State had slapped them with 19 counts of fraud and theft. It alleged that they stole petroleum worth R5 million.
They were accused of colluding with petrol truck drivers to grade 93 fuel into the underground tanks of the grade 95 fuel.
Motorists would then allegedly be sold grade 93 fuel while they bought the grade 95 fuel. Motorists pay more for the grade 95 fuel.
Sikhosana said he was happy to continue with his life with no allegations of wrongdoing hanging over his head. “I’m not a criminal, neither is my daughter.”
The Star