KLERKSDORP – A Klerksdorp-based attorney, Barend Philippus Botha (69), of the Botha de Wet and Roodt law firm, is facing a charge of theft of a significant amount of money involving the estate of a deceased client. The criminal case against the legal practitioner followed his arrest by the Klerksdorp Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, spokesperson for the Hawks in North West, confirmed that Botha briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Tuesday, following his arrest the same day. He said the accused was granted R5 000 bail with the condition to attend scheduled court appearances.

Mathebula said the matter was postponed to 30 September for an appearance before the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Klerksdorp.

“Botha was arrested for allegedly stealing his deceased client’s estate. It is alleged that in June 2016, the Botha de Wet and Roodt law firm was appointed to assist with the estate of their deceased client. Over R130 000 was reportedly transferred from the deceased’s bank account into the trust account of the law firm. Investigation revealed that Botha did not transfer the money to the beneficiary,” said Mathebula.

He said following the Hawks’ intensive investigation, the accused was apprehended and charged with theft. The accused is listed as one of the directors at the Botha de Wet and Roodt law firm.

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