A former Standard Bank team leader was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court. Cynthia Ncube (32), who worked at the bank’s Cresta Mall branch, defrauded clients over R3 million between 8 and 22 August 2018.

SHE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF BIG INVESTORS

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the Hawks uncovered that Ncube misused her position to access the bank client database, targeting those with significant investments. "She transferred funds from their accounts without consent, often to offshore companies and her account. The fraudulent transactions amount to over R3 million. The criminal acts affected multiple clients, including one who was debited over R397 000 without consent and another who lost over R1.7 million,"said Mjonondwane.

NOT ALONE

Mjonondwane added that Ncube had an accomplice by the name of Austin Muzinganye Nkomo, who also received some of the fraudulent funds, while another suspect remains at large. "The accused were apprehended by the Hawks and were charged with fraud, theft and money laundering. Following three years in custody, she was released on bail of R30,000. Ncube’s accomplice, Nkomo, was handed a nine-year prison sentence earlier last year," added Mjonondwane. Senior State Advocate, Vincent Ndzuke, submitted in court that Ncube’s actions constituted a grave betrayal of trust, stating that it is a clear case of an employee biting the hand that feeds them. "The failure to impose a custodial sentence would undermine public confidence in the justice system, as it would be perceived as leniency towards those who abuse their positions for personal gain, "said Ndzuke.