Songeza Gqolana (27) appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Bellville on Monday, August 17 for sentencing regarding charges of fraud, forgery and contravening of the Electronic Communication and Transaction (ECT) Act.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Zinzi Hani, Gqolana was employed as a barman at a popular eatery in Cape Town. He stood trial after he was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in March 2019. He was caught cloning the cards of customers at his place of work.
“The court has found him guilty as charged on five counts of fraud in violation of the Electronic Communications and Transaction (ECT) Act and Money laundering,” Hani said.
Gqolana has been sentenced to five years imprisonment, and wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that the accused is not convicted of any similar offence within the period of suspension.
“Additionally, the court has sentenced Gqolana to R40 000 fine or one (1) year imprisonment suspended for 5 years. The court further sentenced him to 3 years correctional supervision and further declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” Hani added.
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