Hawks to hang onto passport of fraud-accused aviation boss Jonathan Wolpe

JOHANNESBURG - The Hawks will hang on to the passport of private aviation and horse jumping enthusiast, Jonathan Wolpe. 
 
Wolpe appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes court on Wednesday morning, facing charges of theft and fraud. 
 
He is accused of defrauding an aviation company of more than R5 million for the supply of two helicopters. 
 
Wolpe was subcontracted to supply the machines during the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s presidential elections in December but failed to do so. 

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He was granted bail of R20,000. 
 
Magistrate Phindi Pheswa outlined some of his bail conditions. 
 
"The passport that has since been surrendered by the applicant to the investigating officer, remains the property of the State, up until this matter is finalised."