EASTERN CAPE – A former bookkeeper who stole approximately R2.3 million from her employer over seven years was convicted at the KwaMaqoma Magistrate’s Court on 30 June, following an extensive financial investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit based in KuGompo City.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Michelle Van der Merwe (58), the former bookkeeper of Blom Vervoer, was convicted on a charge of theft after the Hawks concluded an extensive and meticulous financial investigation that exposed years of systematic misappropriation of company funds.
He said between 2008 and 2015, Van der Merwe devised and executed a sophisticated scheme in which company funds were unlawfully transferred from Blom Vervoer’s bank accounts into her personal bank account.
“As part of the scheme, she deliberately misrepresented to clients that the company’s banking facilities were experiencing operational difficulties and instructed them to deposit payments directly into her personal bank account,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said these deceptive representations enabled her to divert funds intended for the company while concealing the unlawful transactions from her employer.
Mhlakuvana said that as the company’s bookkeeper, Van der Merwe was entrusted with the administration of Blom Vervoer’s cheque and savings accounts.
He said she exercised substantial control over the company’s financial affairs and enjoyed unrestricted access to its banking facilities.
“During an internal audit, financial irregularities were identified, prompting the company to report the matter to the Hawks for further investigation,” said Mhlakuvana.
“The investigation established that Van der Merwe unlawfully appropriated approximately R2.3 million, causing substantial financial prejudice to the business.”
Mhlakuvana said through persistent and thorough investigative work, the Hawks assembled compelling evidence that conclusively linked the accused to the unlawful diversion of company funds.
He said she was subsequently arrested on 1 December 2018 and appeared in court, where she was released on R5,000 bail.
Mhlakuvana said following several court appearances, criminal proceedings were concluded with her conviction on 30 June and the matter has been postponed to 11 August for sentencing.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Brigadier Fernando Luis, commended the investigating team for its exceptional perseverance and investigative excellence.
“Commercial crime is not merely an offence against an individual employer; it is an attack on the principles of trust, accountability and ethical corporate governance upon which sustainable economic activity depends,” said Luis.
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