• A former financial manager of the Northern Cape Cricket (NCC) union, Jean Pierre van Niekerk (25), was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment after being found guilty on 80 charges of fraud in the Kimberley Serious Commercial Crime Court on 31 July.

WO Nomthandazo Mnisi, Hawks spokesperson, said Van Niekerk had been found guilty of misappropriating funds of the union, resulting in a loss of more than R424 000 to the NCC.

• Capt. Karel Coetzee du Toit made another appearance in the Springbok Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 August, accompanied by his colleague, WO Leonard William Landrew.

Both were stationed at the Springbok Police Station. They face allegations including fraud, theft, defeating the ends of justice, contravention of the Tourism Act, and corruption. Du Toit served as the commander of the Stock Theft unit and was implicated in a scheme reportedly exploiting court sentences to benefit a private entity, stated Mojalefa Senokoatsane, regional spokesperon of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Du Toit is also accused of accepting payments from foreign nationals arrested for violating the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act on the unauthorised dealing and collection of succulent plants.

Landrew faces charges with reference to his role as investigating officer in cases where Du Toit served as an agent.

During Du Toit’s first court appearance, he was granted bail of R50 000. Landrew was granted bail of R20 000. Both are subjected to strict bail conditions. The matter has been postponed until 24 October.