The number of charges against the Absa e-fraud accused, 35-year-old Johannes Jacobus Fourie, was increased when he made his fifth appearance in the Bellville magistrate`s court in the Western Cape this morning.
The number of charges has been increased from 10 to 55, but it is not yet clear if the amount involved has been increased from the original R609 714, or whether the additional charges relate to the new Electronic Communications and Transactions Act.
Fourie`s case relates to the high-profile transfer of funds from the accounts of 10 Absa online banking clients in the Western Cape between May and July. Most of the stolen funds were allegedly spent on consumer goods including 10 laptop PCs, while amounts totalling R76 025 were allegedly deposited into Fourie`s account. Fourie has been granted bail of R10 000, with strict conditions. These include 24-hour house arrest at his mother`s guest house and no access to computers at all.
During his appearance this morning, Fourie was questioned by his defence counsel, advocate Pete Mihalic, and was instructed by Chris Watney of Watney`s Attorneys. They appeared before magistrate Christopher Linden. The prosecutor is advocate Anthony Stephen.
During this morning`s court appearance, Fourie said he was innocent of the charges and had given no statement to the police. Fourie, who was given a suspended sentence for credit card fraud in 1991, has a varied career history that includes running a short-lived computer business, operating a truck export company in the US and running a Cape guest house. Fourie must appear in court again on 27 November.
Related stories:
Another postponement for Absa e-fraud case
Absa e-fraud case postoponed again
ECT Act may be used against Absa hacker
Share