GQEBERHA – A 44-year-old Gqeberha bookkeeper has been arrested by the Hawks for allegedly defrauding her former employer of more than R3 million through an elaborate payment manipulation scheme spanning two years.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Kirsten Diener was arrested on 24 July by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit and appeared in the Gqeberha New Law Court on the same day on charges of fraud and money laundering.
He said the arrest followed a meticulous, intelligence-driven investigation into allegations of financial misconduct reported by City Paint and Tool, a well-established business operating in Newton Park, Gqeberha.
“It is alleged that between May 2024 and May 2026, the suspect, who was employed as a bookkeeper, abused her position of trust and fiduciary responsibility by manipulating the company’s payment processes for personal enrichment,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said it is further alleged that she systematically captured legitimate supplier payments on the company’s accounting system using authentic supporting documentation and approved supplier details.
However, before the payments were processed, Mhlakuvana said she allegedly altered the beneficiary banking details, replacing the legitimate supplier accounts with bank accounts under her control at two different banks.
He said red flags were identified, and the matter was referred to the Hawks for an intensive investigation.
“The investigation confirmed the alleged misrepresentation, resulting in the company suffering a financial loss of more than R3 million, which was unlawfully diverted into accounts allegedly linked to the suspect,” said Mhlakuvana.
He said that following an extensive investigation, the Hawks assembled a compelling body of evidence that culminated in Diener’s arrest.
Mhlakuvana said she appeared before the Gqeberha New Law Court, where she was remanded in custody.
He said the case was postponed to 27 July for a formal bail application.
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