GQEBERHA – A 54-year-old man has been found guilty of theft following an elaborate scheme that saw over R6.3 million worth of platinum stock stolen from a Gqeberha-based company over more than a year.
Ronald Jansen was convicted by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 20 October, marking a significant victory for the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in their ongoing battle against economic sabotage.
The conviction stems from a sophisticated internal conspiracy that operated between April 2021 and May 2022, during which employees of Minileit (Pty) Ltd systematically misappropriated platinum plates belonging to the company. The stolen material was subsequently sold to local scrap metal businesses, resulting in substantial financial losses for the firm.
The breakthrough came following an extensive investigation conducted jointly by the Gqeberha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Investigators meticulously uncovered what they described as “a well-orchestrated scheme of internal collusion and fraudulent disposals,” which ultimately led to the arrest of four suspects in 2023.
Jansen’s three co-accused – Ruwayne Eddie Leppan (38), Roual Rowell Shelby Martin (32) and Quewin Kirsten September (27) – were all released on bail and remain on trial. Their case has been postponed until 12 January 2026.
Jansen, who was found guilty on one count of theft, has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on 9 December 2025. The court will determine the appropriate punishment for his role in the multi-million rand theft operation.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the investigating and prosecution teams for their dedication to the case.
“I commend the investigating team and the prosecution team for their meticulousness and persistence in ensuring that perpetrators of economic crimes are held accountable,” Ngwenya said.
