Cyber Fraud Accused Jailed for 8 years after Successful Investigation

Cyber fraud has become a cause for concern and businesses are urged to remain vigilant when making online payments. It has been established after an intensive Hawks investigation that on 25 July 2023, a manager from Clutch and Brakes based in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, made online payments to his creditors through an online business system. During the transaction he experienced some internet glitches. On the following day the manager accessed the system and printed a payment confirmation and found there were no glitches. However after two days, he intended to make another payment through the same system, but this time he could not access the payment system as he was declined access.

Cyber fraud glitch uncovered

Suspecting something was amiss and thinking it could by cyber fraud related, the complainant called his bank where he was advised to utilize the Bank’s Technicians Service for assistance. The manager discovered that there were unknown transactions to an amount of R900 000 that were effected on 26 July 2023. A case docket was opened and handed over to the Hawks for thorough investigation into a crime considering cyber fraud as the issue.

Hawks investigators open case

An investigation by the Hawks established that the monies were transferred to the account under the name of Mpho Pretty Sakhetha, aged 20. After this discovery, Sakhetha was traced and arrested in Gauteng in February 2024 for her involvement in the cyber fraud matter. Sakhetha was a prisoner in transit when she appeared before the Mthatha Specialized Commercial Crimes Court on 12 February 2024 and was released on R10 000 bail. She has made numerous court appearances until her sentencing by the Mthatha Specialized Commercial Crimes court yesterday, 29 April 2025, for her involvement in the Eastern Cape cyber fraud complaint. Sakhetha was sentenced to undergo eight years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine.

Cyber fraud business tips

1. System and Network Security

• Use end-to-end encryption for all financial transactions.
• Regularly update firewalls, antivirus, and anti-malware software.
• Conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in online payment platforms.

2. Secure Access and Authentication

• Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all online banking and payment systems.
• Assign role-based access control (RBAC) — only authorized personnel should make payments.
• Use complex passwords and change them frequently.

3. Regular Monitoring and Alerts

• Enable real-time transaction alerts via SMS/email.
• Review account activity daily — especially after a connectivity issue.
• Use automated fraud detection systems provided by the bank.

4. Data Integrity and Backups

• Maintain offline backups of all payment confirmations and logs.
• Use secure VPNs when accessing financial platforms remotely.
• Log all user activity on payment systems for auditing.

5. Bank Liaison and Verification Protocols

• Establish a direct contact at your bank for technical emergencies.
• Always verify bank technician credentials before granting access.
• Set up daily payment limits to minimize exposure in case of compromise.

Precautions for Employees and Individuals

System and Network Security

• Use end-to-end encryption for all financial transactions.
• Regularly update firewalls, antivirus, and anti-malware software.
• Conduct penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in online payment platforms.

2. Secure Access and Authentication

• Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all online banking and payment systems.
• Assign role-based access control (RBAC) — only authorized personnel should make payments.
• Use complex passwords and change them frequently.

3. Regular Monitoring and Alerts

• Enable real-time transaction alerts via SMS/email.
• Review account activity daily — especially after a connectivity issue.
• Use automated fraud detection systems provided by the bank.

4. Data Integrity and Backups

• Maintain offline backups of all payment confirmations and logs.
• Use secure VPNs when accessing financial platforms remotely.
• Log all user activity on payment systems for auditing.

5. Bank Liaison and Verification Protocols

• Establish a direct contact at your bank for technical emergencies.
• Always verify bank technician credentials before granting access.
• Set up daily payment limits to minimize exposure in case of compromise.

Precautions for Employees and Individuals

Awareness and Training

• Conduct monthly cybersecurity workshops for staff.
• Simulate phishing attacks to teach response protocols.

2. Device Hygiene

• Avoid making payments from public Wi-Fi or unsecured devices.
• Regularly clear cache and cookies from browsers used for business banking.

3. Immediate Action Steps

• Report any access issues to IT before retrying on your own.
• If suspicious activity is noticed, notify the bank immediately and request a freeze on the account.

4. Legal Safeguards

• Document every anomaly (e.g., internet glitches) with screenshots and timestamps.
• Have legal contracts that specify liability clauses for internal and external tech service providers.

Red Flags That Indicate Cyber Fraud May Be Occurring

Unexplained denial of access to systems you recently used.

Receipt of unauthorized password reset requests.

Sudden disappearance of payment logs or history.

Discovery of high-value transactions you didn’t initiate.

New beneficiaries added to bank accounts without your knowledge.

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Read about an online scam in India here.