Ntwaagae Seleka

Ntwaagae Seleka

Vaal Rand police are calling on people who have allegedly been defrauded of their money by Pastor Mzwakhe Mpondo to lay charges against him.

Inspector Sabata Modupe said: "Mpondo was convicted and sentenced to 12 months suspended for five years - or a R7000 fine - two weeks ago for fraud. We appeal to anybody who might believe they have been defrauded by the man to come forward."

Mpondo appeared again in the Vereeniging regional court last Friday and was released on R5000 bail.

He had allegedly defrauded a Vaal couple of more than R120000 and two Soweto men of R90000 after promising them "lucrative business partnerships".

Mpondo allegedly used fraudulent tender documents to entice his victims.

The victims include a 52-year-old man, Morobi Motaung, who was presented with fraudulent tenders from Ekurhuleni municipality last year.

Mpondo allegedly promised Motaung "a good deal" and, like others, he was convinced Mpondo was genuine. Motaung said he then parted with more than R120000.

Another victim was also allegedly duped into believing that Ekurhuleni municipality had awarded him a diversity training tender because it was presented to him on its letterhead.

The complainant, Amos Molefe, 27, said he went to the police after the municipality told him that the tender was fraudulent.

Vuyani Hlatswayo, 24, was allegedly defrauded of R50000. Hlatswayo said he was "fooled by Mpondo" in the same way as Molefe and Motaung,

The alleged victims questioned the court decision to grant Mpondo bail.

Molefe said: "How can the court grant him bail after he was convicted of a similar case two weeks ago?

"The court should not have given him bail because he is a flight risk and will continue cheating people."

Mpondo is due in court today.