ONE of three men accused of defrauding Vodacom clients also allegedly swindled more than R2million from a firm of attorneys, This emerged in the Johannesburg commercial crime court yesterday.

ONE of three men accused of defrauding Vodacom clients also allegedly swindled more than R2million from a firm of attorneys, This emerged in the Johannesburg commercial crime court yesterday.

A leg-shackled Mbusi Bhengu, accused of committing banking fraud of about R8million, faces additional charges for allegedly defrauding the attorneys of R2,4million.

The name of the firm was not disclosed. The court gallery was packed with black-robed lawyers. Some had to stand in the corners since there were not enough seats.

Two women and two Nigerians were allegedly Bhengu's accomplices. The four have been arrested but were not in court yesterday.

Prosecutor Richard Chabalala said it was alleged the money defrauded from the attorneys was transferred into the women's bank accounts. This case was postponed to March 29 next year for trial.

Yesterday 28-year-old Bhengu, who stood in the dock with Vodacom engineer Mbokodana Khoza and Gregory Oduore, was the only one in chains because he was still in custody. His co-accused, dressed smartly in suits, are out on bail.

Khoza allegedly used his job at Vodacom to defraud R1,8million from customers. Oduore is also charged with fraud.

Chabalala told the court the case was "complex" since more new complaints and charges were being laid against the accused.

"It is in the interest of justice that the prosecution be given time to investigate thoroughly."

The case was postponed to February 10 next year. - Sapa