KLERKSDORP – Two former employees of a Klerksdorp-based business, arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in connection with allegations of defrauding their employer, have been released on bail.

The accused, Jeanette Sylvia Cronje (33) and Alicia Van Der Walt (36), were released on bail set at R5 000 each during their appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu, spokesperson for the Hawks in North West, said the two women face charges of fraud. He said their arrests yesterday followed an intensive investigation into allegations that they siphoned R1.6 million from their former employer, Klerksdorp Business Consultants and Brokers.

Ndlovu said the investigation discovered that the alleged fraud took place between 2022 and 2024 through a modus operandi of using the banking details of former employees.

“Cronje was head of payroll while Van Der Walt was head of administration. Reports indicate that the accused allegedly used details of employees who had left the company to make payments into those personal bank accounts. As a result, the company suffered a financial loss of more than R1.6 million,” said Ndlovu.
He said both were employed by the Klerksdorp-based business during that period.

Ndlovu said the matter was remanded to 17 November for an appearance in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Klerksdorp.

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