A 60-year-old former bank employee who brazenly increased the overdraft on his personal account and stole nearly R2 million has been released on bail.
Vivian Brink appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, following his arrest on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Bail
He was handcuffed at his home in Rosettenville for theft and fraud.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela Brink was released on bail with conditions and is expected back in court soon.
“Brink made his first appearance before the Johannesburg Magistrate Court, where he was granted bail of R5 000, and the matter was subsequently remanded to 03 February 2026 at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.”
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Overdraft
According to police, it is alleged that between January 2014 and November 2017, Brink, who was employed by Standard Bank as an IT operator, manipulated the system on his bank account by increasing the overdraft for his personal gain
“As a result, his employer suffered an actual loss of over R1,9 million.”
Fraud and money laundering
In October last year, the Hawks arrested fourteen suspects, including a former Nedbank employee on allegations of fraud and money laundering valued at more than R150 million.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 47 years, were arrested in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Krugersdorp by the Gauteng Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Court
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said investigations are continuing.
“It is reported that the main suspect unlawfully made payments from suspense accounts valued at over R157 million, which were further transferred to recipients who were not entitled to receive such monies.
“The recipients involved are 23, including 15 individuals, seven entities and six banks,” Mogale said.
Mogale added that the suspects made their first appearance in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
Mogale said investigations were continuing.
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