Picture: The Hawks arrested a former cashier at Emthanjeni Local Municiaplity’s traffic unit/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
A former cashier at Emthanjeni Local Municipality in De Aar has been sentenced to eight years by the Hangover Regional Court for fraud. Nomava Luwalala (44), who was working as a cashier at the municipality’s traffic department unit, manipulated the eNatis system for a period of time covering July 2019 to December 2020, while performing her duties.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Col, Tebogo Thebe said, she failed to report all the monies received. According to Thebe, this resulted in the municipality suffering a loss of R120 252 000.
“Luwalala was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that she is not convicted of fraud, theft, or attempted theft during the period of suspension. The accused was further directed to pay back an amount of R120 252 000 in installments of R10 000 until the total amount was paid.
“Luwalala made her first court appearance shortly after she was arrested on 1 December 2022. The accused pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 of Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 on all 20 counts of fraud as charged,” he said.
Thebe further said the Hawk’s Serious Corruption Investigation team executed a warrant of arrest on 1 December 2022 and successfully investigated the matter resulting in a conviction.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Stephen Mabuela lauded the work done. Mabuela added that what mostly pleases him is that, the municipality will recover the loss as per the court order.
The Guardian 