Congolese asylum seeker found guilty of fraud, theft worth R1.5M

By Alicia Mmashakana

THE Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday sentenced a Congolese man to 12 years and three months imprisonment for fraud, theft and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Tiny Mtumba, 36, was convicted and sentenced for his involvement in a criminal syndicate that used fraudulent passports to open bank accounts and redeem investments from foreign banks.

Absa’s exchange control monitoring and reporting department identified a suspicious transaction worth more than R1.5 million and Mtumba and his syndicate were flagged.

State advocate Rhyme Nchabeleng said Mtumba abused South Africa’s hospitality as an asylum seeker.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the syndicate targeted South African residents and foreigners with investments abroad, impersonating victims and transferring funds into accounts opened in their names using fake passports.

“The sentence reflects the severity of Mtumba’s crimes and serves as a warning to those engaging in similar criminal activities,” said Mjonondwane.