By BAKANG MOKOTO
5 May 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirms that Ponatsego Anna Ngwenya (45), from Soshanguve, a former General Manager at Royal Funerals, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud exceeding R500 000. Ngwenya was granted bail of R30 000.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that during her employment at Royal Funerals, Ngwenya defrauded the company by instructing clients to make funeral policy payments directly into her personal bank account. Mahanjana said in some instances, she allegedly collected cash payments from clients, claiming that the company’s payment system was offline.
“The alleged fraud came to light when the company identified that several client policies had lapsed. Upon contacting affected clients to address the lapses, the company was informed that payments had been made directly to Ngwenya.
“The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and following an investigation, Ngwenya was arrested on 15 April 2026. During her court appearance, the State did not oppose bail, as she was not considered a flight risk. The case has been postponed to 9 June 2026 for further investigations,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the NPA remains committed to prosecuting fraud and protecting the public from financial exploitation.
The Guardian 