FOR three years, Lindiwe Nkosi has been on a quest to find a "bogus lawyer" who allegedly defrauded her aunt of approximately R3 million.
The search came to a head when the Hawks arrested the lawyer and his five co-accused in Mpumalanga on Thursday, 2 May.
A 43-year-old posing as an attorney with TC Mahlako Attorneys, along with two 35-year-old women, one of whom is an employee at the Government Employees Pension Fund as well as two men, aged 33 and 35, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court on Monday, 6 May.
They're charged with fraud, money laundering, and violating the Legal Practice Act.
Their arrest followed multiple complaints to the Hawks about estates managed by the suspects.
Over three years, more than 16 victims were promised payouts from a total of R15 million through the alleged fraudulent attorney but didn't receive a cent.
The alleged attorney was granted bail of R60 000, while his co-accused each received R30 000 bail.
The state didn't oppose bail for these four accused.
The 35-year-old man, facing a pending fraud case, is set to apply for bail on Friday, 10 May.
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Lindiwe Nkosi expressed a mix of relief and anticipation at seeing the alleged ringleader in court.
Despite years of searching in Mbombela and finding his offices closed, the family had lost hope until hearing of his arrest on the radio.
"His actions have deeply impacted us. We've been left in the dark about the missing money. My aunt now relies on a social grant, despite being entitled to millions from her husband," she said.
While the police's efforts to arrest the suspect are appreciated, Nkosi voiced concerns about the future.
"With him out on bail, we're uncertain about what comes next. We just want our money back. His assets should be sold to repay us," she said.
The case is set to be moved to the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 24 June.
