Old-man sentenced to six years behind bars for guardianship fraud

The accused, Simon Mosikili has been handed a six years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of guardianship fraud.

A 61-year-old appeared before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates’ court on Tuesday, 15 February, where he was convicted and sentenced.

His conviction emanates from an incident which took place during the period of September 2008 where Mosikili was unlawfully submitted a claim as a guardian to the victim at the Master of the High court in Bloemfontein.

Hawks spokesperson in the province Christopher Singo said an amount of more than R84 000 was then paid into the victim bank account.

“Mosikili was in possession of a bank card and pin number of the victim when the money was transferred. He then used the money for his own benefit without the consent of the victim,” said captain Singo.

“The victim only realised about the fraudulent transactions when she was eighteen years old and upon submitting her legitimate claim.

“The matter was then reported to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Bloemfontein for further investigation,” he further addressed.

Mosikili was issued with summons on the 08 July 2020. He appeared before court on several occasions culminating in his recent conviction.

The court sentenced Mosikili to six years imprisonment which is suspended for five years on condition that he refund the victim an amount of more than R160 000.

He also committed to the court that to show remorse for what he did to the victim, he will transfer the house that is situated in Mandela Park, Phuthaditjhaba into the victim’s name.