BLOEMFONTEIN – A Bloemfontein-based bookkeeper with previous fraud conviction was ordered to repay in full the money stolen from the company Nova Refrigeration and Nova Catering. The order by the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court is part of Jacques Wilhelem Grobler’s ten-year prison sentence.
He was sentenced on Wednesday, 28 January. The fraudster stole money from the company between February 2019 and October 2020.
The sentencing was the result of an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein. WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said an investigation revealed that Grobler, manipulated financial records to funnel company funds into his personal accounts. Grobler had unlawfully transferred funds from the company’s bank account.
“As a result, the company suffered a financial loss of R584 902,” she said.
Matoti said the accused had pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and that the court wholly suspended his sentence for a period of five years.
“This is on the condition that he is not convicted of fraud or theft committed during the period of suspension,” said Matoti.
However, the court took a firm stance, further ordering him to repay the company. Matoti said the court had ordered him to pay an amount to the complainant, starting immediately following the sentence proceedings.
“The balance of R235 355,80 is to be paid in monthly instalments on the first day of each month, commencing on 1 February 2026.”
Report revealed in October 2013, Grobler was sentenced to eight years in prison for defrauding the Motheo FET College of roughly R3.5 million. An investigation revealed defrauded the college between April 2009 and March 2011. Grobler was charged with 60 counts of fraud, theft and money laundering for the incident at the college.
