PRETORIA – The former general manager of Royal Funerals, Ponatsego Anna Ngwenya (45), has been granted bail of R30 000 during her appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 May. Bail was granted with the condition that she appear on all scheduled court dates. Ngwenya appeared in court on charges of fraud exceeding R500 000, allegedly committed during her time at the funeral parlour.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa confirmed Ngwenya’s appearance regarding alleged fraud against her former employer. Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the NPA Gauteng Division: Pretoria, said the accused, from Soshanguve, was arrested on 15 April by Pretoria police based on prima facie evidence.

“The State did not oppose bail during her court appearance, noting that she was not considered a flight risk,” said Mahanjana. She added that the case was postponed to 9 June for further investigation.

According to Mahanjana, Ngwenya’s alleged modus operandi came to light after the company identified that several client policies had lapsed. “Ngwenya is alleged to have defrauded Royal Funerals during her employment by instructing clients to deposit funeral policy payments directly into her personal bank account. In some instances, she allegedly collected cash payments from clients, telling them the company’s payment system was offline. When Royal Funerals contacted affected clients to address the lapses, it was informed that payments had been made directly to Ngwenya,” she said.

Mahanjana said the matter was subsequently reported to the police, culminating in an investigation and Ngwenya’s arrest.

“The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting fraud and protecting the public from financial exploitation,” said Mahanjana.