The Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced a former cash officer at a Shoprite Group store in Bloemfontein to a minimum of five years’ imprisonment for stealing a whopping R400 000.
Dimakatso Tshipane was sentenced on Thursday 9 April, having been convicted on 30 October last year after pleading guilty.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA) in the Free State, explained that conviction and sentencing had been postponed to the date in question to allow the court to consider the care arrangements for Tshipane’s minor children.
He said the stolen cash could not be recovered despite several attempts by the retail giant.
“Evidence presented in court revealed that Tshipane took R400 000 during her shift and absconded before the end of the workday on 10 February 2024.
“An internal audit conducted by Shoprite confirmed the financial loss. Despite efforts to recover the stolen funds, none were retrieved,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the accused had been arrested the following month, on 13 March, after she was traced.
Senokoatsane said the state, represented by prosecutor Tiisetso Simon Kopa, presented overwhelming evidence, leading to Tshipane pleading guilty to stealing the money.
“In handing down the sentence, the court underscored the seriousness of trust-related crimes, noting that theft by employees causes significant financial prejudice to employers and also erodes trust within the workplace.
“This sentence sends a clear message that abuse of positions of trust will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate consequences. Acts of dishonesty not only harm institutions, but also undermine public confidence. The NPA will continue to ensure accountability for those who choose to betray that trust,” said Senokoatsane.
