By OBAKENG MAJE
An attorney was arrested for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting clients over R3 million. Barend Philippus Botha, who was a practicing attorney and the sole director of a law firm allegedly defrauded six clients between 2018 and 2019.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the reports suggest that, monies from three deceased estates and various home purchase transactions, were paid into the firm’s trust account.
“However, the victims never received their dues from the firm. Following investigations by the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in 2019, Botha was ultimately arrested on 11 September 2023.
“He was struck off the roll as a practicing attorney by the South Gauteng High Court in Pretoria after he allegedly failed to account for the victims’ monies. He appeared at Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court and was granted a R15 000 bail,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said Botha’s case was transferred to Klerksdorp Regional Court and postponed to 30 October 2023.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and subsequent appearance of the accused in court. Kwena also commended the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for working tirelessly to ensure that the accused is nailed.
The Guardian 