Former Bookkeeper Jailed 10 Years for Stealing Nearly R5 Million.

A former bookkeeper, Michelle van der Merwe (58) who worked at Blom Vervoer in KwaMaqoma (Fort Beaufort), has been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for stealing almost R5 million from her employer.

The 58-year-old woman was sentenced in the KwaMaqoma Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said that between 2008 and 2015, the former bookkeeper transferred company funds into her personal bank account.

According to Mhlakuvana, she misled clients by claiming that the company’s banking facilities were experiencing problems.

As the company’s bookkeeper, she had access to Blom Vervoer’s financial systems and managed its cheque and savings accounts.

An internal audit later uncovered financial irregularities, after which the company reported the matter to the Hawks.

The woman was arrested in December 2018 and was released on R5,000 bail.

She was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years’ direct imprisonment with no option of a fine.