SCA Orders Loyiso Coko to Report to Prison for Rape The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has issued an order for former soccer player Loyiso Coko to report to prison within seven days to serve his 15-year sentence for raping his girlfriend. Coko had been convicted of rape in 2018 and sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Port Elizabeth High Court. However, he had appealed against the conviction and sentence, and was granted bail pending the appeal. On Wednesday, the SCA dismissed Coko’s appeal and upheld the lower court’s conviction and sentence. The SCA ruled that the evidence against Coko was overwhelming and that the trial court had not erred in finding him guilty. In a statement released by the SCA, Deputy Judge President Mandisa Maya said that the court had given careful consideration to all the evidence and the arguments advanced by both the prosecution and the defense. She said that the court had found that the lower court had not misdirected itself and that its verdict was reasonable. Maya also said that the SCA had taken into account the impact of the crime on the victim and the need to protect society from such offenses. She said that the 15-year sentence imposed by the lower court was appropriate and that the court had no reason to interfere with it. The SCA’s order means that Coko must now report to prison within seven days. Failure to do so will result in a warrant for his arrest being issued. The ruling is a significant victory for the victim and the prosecution. It sends a message that sexual violence will not be tolerated and that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable.Money Laundering Techniques in New ZealandMoney Laundering Techniques in New Zealand Research from the Financial Crime Prevention Network reveals that money laundering in New Zealand exceeds $1 billion annually. Despite this significant amount, some of the methods used by criminals are surprisingly fundamental. Depositing Large Sums in Branches One technique identified was the late-day deposit of large cash sums at bank branches. This practice allowed offenders to avoid inquiries from staff who were eager to conclude their day. However, this tactic was rendered ineffective when banks ceased accepting large deposits before closing due to security concerns. Use of “Smurfs” and Mules Money launderers have adapted their strategies in recent years by employing “smurfs” – a large number of individuals who make small deposits, primarily at ATMs. Additionally, criminals have resorted to “mule accounts” where individuals allow their bank accounts to be used for transferring illicit funds. Multiple Deposits and Suspicious Account Opening Other methods include making multiple cash deposits under reporting thresholds into the same account at different branches, as well as opening personal accounts with temporary immigration visas and using them for third-party transactions after the individual leaves the country. Estimated Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking The report estimates that around $1.35 billion in money laundering occurs annually, primarily through transnational organized crime linked to illicit drug activities. Between 2018 and 2021, approximately $107 million from four criminal groups was deposited, mainly from drug crimes. Bank and Law Enforcement Collaboration Banks have implemented systems to monitor and report suspicious activity, collaborating with law enforcement to identify money laundering patterns and deter financial crime. The Banking Association acknowledges the importance of preventing financial crime and safeguarding the economy. International Assessment and Recommendations An international assessment in 2021 commended New Zealand’s efforts to combat money laundering, but suggested further resource allocation to the banking sector for enhanced oversight.