Suspect who posed as former Hawks boss to learn fate next week

A 42-year-old man accused of impersonating former Hawks head Lieutenant General, Godfrey Lebeya, will remain in custody until next week, when the court is expected to decide on his bail application.

Thabo Theletsane, who was arrested in May, allegedly extorted approximately R100,000 from a businessman in 2024 by claiming that his phone had been hacked. He reportedly contacted the victim via WhatsApp, using Lebeya’s image as his profile picture.

According to Hawks spokesperson Brigadier, Thandi Mbambo, Theletsane convinced the businessman to share sensitive information about close associates under the pretense of assisting with a security breach.

It has since emerged that Theletsane was out on parole at the time of the alleged offence.

He appeared in the Hatfield Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of fraud and impersonating a police officer.

State prosecutor Advocate Dikeledi Moganyaka opposed bail, pointing to Theletsane’s previous convictions, which were highlighted by the investigating officer during his earlier appearance.

“The investigating officer testified before this honourable court, that the accused is positively linked to the crime through his identity document and bank account. The State submits that we have a water-tight case against the accused,” said Moganyaka.

She further argued that Theletsane is facing a lengthy prison sentence, not only for the current charges but also due to the revocation of his parole on a previous conviction.

The State expressed concern about the potential intimidation of witnesses, noting inconsistencies in Theletsane’s affidavit.

“The accused claimed he is unfamiliar with the witnesses, yet one of them is his former girlfriend, who was in a relationship with him during the commission of the crime. She has agreed to testify and expressed concern that the accused may attempt to intimidate or influence her,” Moganyaka told the court.

She added that Theletsane’s history suggests he may abscond if released.

In response, defence attorney Advocate Donald Du Plessis dismissed the State’s concerns as speculative.

“There is no evidence that the accused will intimidate witnesses. These fears are mere assumptions. Bail has been granted in more serious cases before,” he argued.

Du Plessis also assured the court that his client would not interfere with witnesses and criticized the prosecution for focusing too heavily on the severity of the offence.

“The seriousness of a charge should not be the sole basis for denying bail. Yes, the accused has a prior conviction for a similar offence, but courts have granted bail in such cases before,” he said.

Earlier in the proceedings, Du Plessis opposed a media application to broadcast the case and requested a Setswana interpreter for his client.

While the court allowed media coverage, it provided an interpreter for Theletsane.

Magistrate Christopher Chokoe is expected to deliver his ruling on the bail application on August 11.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao.