By REGINALD KANYANE
2 April 2025- A man (39) sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the North West Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Mmabatho for 157 counts of fraud and 53 counts of money laundering. The accused, Jan Jacobus Van Niekerk was sentenced to further five years for money laundering.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, effectively resulting in 15 years of imprisonment. Gunya said in addition, Van Niekerk was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The conviction stems from his tenure as a Financial Accountant at Botselo Mills, a company producing maize products such as super maize meal, samp, and rice near Delareyville, in the North West.
“As an accounting officer, Van Niekerk had access to the company’s bank account and was authorised to transact within its banking system. Investigations revealed that between 5 January 2017 and 29 July 2022, he fraudulently created authorisation forms to release funds, misrepresenting transactions to divert company money into his six personal bank accounts.
“Posing as legitimate service providers, he siphoned over R8 million from the company over six years. Van Niekerk’s actions resulted in severe financial setbacks for the company, leading to retrenchments. He was arrested and later released on bail,” he said.
Gunya further said Van Niekerk pleaded guilty to all charges. He added that, during sentencing, state prosecutor advocate Matshidiso Ramakgaphola, argued that his crimes were motivated by greed, as he was already earning a salary.
“She further emphasised that his fraudulent activities had direct consequences, including job losses. Delivering the judgment, Magistrate Mothibi noted that Van Niekerk showed no remorse and failed to apologise to the complainant.
““The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting commercial crime and ensuring justice is served,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, said: “We welcome this sentence as a warning to others who may consider engaging in financial crimes.”
The Guardian 