Port Elizabeth – A Port Elizabeth top cop appeared in the city’s magistrate’s court on Friday on a charge which related to him allegedly tipping off members of a card skimming syndicate about an undercover operation to have them arrested.
Lieutenant Colonel Mhleli Dyonase from Algoa Park appeared briefly in court on a charge of defeating or obstructing the ends of justice. He indicated that he had appointed attorney Dean Murray to represent him.
According to the State, 55-year-old Dyonase was employed with the Hawks, the police’s specialised crime-fighting unit, when he had access to information about suspects who were involved in fraud, theft, and other illegal activities at various ATMs.
The illegal activities included the theft of money from card holders’ accounts through ‘skimming’ practices or the switching of bank cards.
During October 2014, an undercover police operation was launched and members at the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), including Dyonase, were tasked to stake out and observe certain ATM’s. The aim was to monitor and trap Marinda Maseti and her accomplices.
Dyonase was shown photographs of the suspects involved in the syndicate to enable him to identify them at ATM’s.
According to the State, the colonel knew Maseti and had telephonic contact with her on numerous occasions prior to the operation.
The State further alleged that on October 26, 2014, Maseti called Dyonase and the conversation was legally monitored.
During the conversation, the policeman stated that he was aware that the woman was continuing her illegal activities at certain ATM’s in Port Elizabeth.
He allegedly warned the woman that police were on the lookout for her at specific ATM’s in the city and that she should not be in town during the police operation.
Magistrate Lise Keech postponed the matter to March 1.
Dyonase was released on warning.
African News Agency
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