South Africans Slam Six-Year Sentence for ABSA Bank Fraud Convicts

• Many South Africans believe the six-year sentence handed to the two women convicted of siphoning over R1 million was too lenient
• Florika Owusu and Abongile Tyusha were found guilty of transferring money from dormant ABSA accounts into fraudulently created accounts
• The Hawks said the pair, which worked for the bank, moved the funds in tranches from 14 November 2019 to 30 June 2021

Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered court proceedings and current affairs on the radio for over 15 years.

Many South Africans believe the six-year sentence handed to the two women convicted of siphoning over R1 million from ABSA was too lenient.

Ex-ABSA employees found guilty of fraud

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Florika Owusu (29) and Abongile Tyusha (28) were sentenced for fraud and money laundering by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court in the Eastern Cape on 28 June 2024.

According to the Hawks, from 14 November 2019 to 30 June 2021, the pair transferred money from dormant bank accounts into their fraudulently created accounts. Spokesperson Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the bank picked up the discrepancies during an internal audit and informed the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation:

“The investigations by the Hawks led to the arrest of both accused on 27 July 2022, and they made their first court appearance on 28 July 2022. They were both released on R1000 bail each.”

After numerous court appearances, the duo was handed a six-year sentence each, with no fine option.

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Mzansi was unimpressed by the sentence

Many netizens believed the six-year sentences were too short and called for harsher convictions.

Carol-ann Hurter-rogers

“Absolutely disgusting. As bankers, you should know better.”

Yolande Kruger asked:

“Only 6 years?”

Kirwin Jordaan said:

“May the light bring the others also to the fore.”

Zukhanye Mabandla added:

“Six years is nothing; she will spend 3, and she will be out ”

Cheryleen Ashington stated:

“Nice lenient sentence.”

IEC Commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku accused of R1.2M trust fraud,

Briefly News previously reported that a former bank employee, accused of stealing about R1.2 million for an education fund, was granted R20,000 bail.

IEC Commissioner Dr Nomsa Praisy Masuku appeared before a court on 21 June 2024, shortly after being arrested for fraud.

Masuku was also accused of flouting processes to award bursaries and scholarships to friends and family members.

Source: Briefly News