The Klerksdorp Regional Court sentenced Hillary Naidoo to 12 years imprisonment, with two years suspension. North West National Prosecution Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says Naidoo has effectively been sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment on 25 charges of fraud. He explains that her sentence follows after she had defrauded the Midvaal Water Company of R1.3 million while she was still employed as the financial accountant of the company.

“Naidoo defrauded a company known as Midvaal Water Company, where she was employed as a financial accountant, heading the finance section. She made transactions into her personal bank account between February and August 2018 under the pretext of paying suppliers. We welcome this conviction as we believe it will send a strong message to wannabe offenders,” said Mamothame.

He further explains that Naidoo had recorded the payments in the form of journal entries, as styled refreshments, cell phones and salaries. According to Mamothame, the complainant managed to trace that all creditors were paid into one bank account, which belonged to the accused. Mamothame adds that Naidoo pleaded guilty to all charges, however, the state also had solid evidence against her, as all illegal and irregular banking transactions were contained in the docket.

“In aggravation of her sentence, the state prosecutor argued that the accused had an opportunity, to refrain from transgressing further, after the first illegal transaction, however, she continued with her illegal actions,” he said.

Mamothame also said that the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari Sekhaolelo, lauded the investigation officer and the prosecutor for ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book.

OFM News