Mr Makamu was convicted by the Johannesburg Regional Court of fraud and, on 21 June 2005, sentenced to a fine of R10 000.00 or, in default of payment, to a period of six months imprisonment, all of which were suspended for a period of four years on certain conditions. The conviction relates to an incident where he allegedly convinced the administration Officer at the Benoni Magistrate's Court to sign an official letter in which he stated that he (Mr Makamu) was entitled to an official motor vehicle allowance to the amount of R80 973.00 per annum, well knowing that in truth and in fact he at the time did not qualify to receive such an allowance. Mr Makamu then presented the said letter to Bankfin where he applied for an instalment sale agreement in order to purchase a new motor vehicle.