Mandoza quizzed in fraud probe

2010-02-25 10:54

Johannesburg - The Hawks interviewed kwaito star Mandoza about an asset fraud investigation on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the specialised crime investigation unit said.

Spokesperson Musa Zondi said Mandoza, whose real name is Mduduzi Tshabalala, was interviewed to hear what he knew about an asset fraud syndicate in which some of his friends were allegedly involved.

This comes after eight men were arrested last Thursday for buying property and cars using false identities. Mandoza's friend, Nkululeko Bobo Mncube, and neighbour, Mzwandile Sibanda, were among those arrested.

Accident

Mncube told the police he was the owner of the Mini Cooper in which Mandoza was injured when the vehicle was crashed into a tree recently.

Mandoza was in the back seat at the time of the accident, but the driver apparently disappeared.

The Mini Cooper was one of the cars that had allegedly been bought through the scheme.

Zondi said the Hawks were not interested in the accident.

"A specialised crime unit does not investigate accidents. We investigate organised crime and asset fraud is organised crime," he said.

He said they spoke to Mandoza to ask him whether he knew the car was bought as part of the asset fraud scheme.

Co-operative

"We asked him if he knew about the scheme or the owner of the cars involved in it.

"We believe that he opened up. We are satisfied with his answers," said Zondi.

He said the Hawks did not believe Mandoza was involved in the syndicate.

"He was very co-operative and said he would help with whatever information he can."

Zondi said the Hawks had been investigating the asset fraud, where the syndicate created or stole false identities to obtain loans for property and vehicles and disappeared without paying.

- SAPA