After five years of intensive investigations, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime has implicated thirteen former bank employees in a case in which First National Bank lost about P3, 3 million.
The thirteen former employees have already appeared before the Kanye magistrate court charged with a single count of theft.
The accused persons are Edward Burule, Kefilwe Motona, Speech Motlapele, Keobotse Rabakoko, Lebogang Buru, Tuelo Randy Ramosarwa, Keromemang Motona, Basetsana Setimela, Themba Setimela, Keipatile Dikole, Ronald Mongwaketse, Boikhutso Moagi and Remogoone Moagi.
The money belonged to the Southern District Council, and the bank had to reimburse the local authority.
According to DCEC the thirteen staff members deserted work after realizing that they were under investigation.
The accused persons are alleged to have bought cars and built houses with the stolen money. Some of the houses were built in Palapye and Mahalapye. The Telegraph investigations have revealed that only P600 000 was recovered in cash.
However, DCEC Public Relations Officer, Lentswe Motshoganetsi, could not confirm the exact figure that was recovered.
“Yes, some of the money has been recovered. But I am not in a position to reveal how much,” he said.
He also confirmed that some assets had been recovered during investigations, and they will be used as evidence in court.
The state is expected to call over 60 witnesses to testify against the suspects.
Motshoganetsi explained that investigations into cases of this nature take a long time to be completed because DCEC base their investigations on suspicion, and must also ensure that enough evidence is collected to justify prosecution.
“Such cases involve transactions and exchange of money, which is an easily traceable commodity as it is a transferable commodity,” he said.
The accused persons are expected to appear for the next mention in August.
