By OBAKENG MAJE

A man (48) has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Court for theft, fraud and corruption on 2 February 2024. Between June and July 2018, the complainant placed an order to buy livestock from Norman William Ellis and total amount of R87 500 was deposited into his bank account.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, Ellis purported to be a farmer dealing with livestock, but failed to deliver livestock. Mnisi said it was later established that, he was actually a conman.

“In another separate but related matter, Ellis went to a dealership and made a deal to buy a bakkie opting to trade his current vehicle as a deposit. During the vehicle finance deal process, he borrowed an amount of R118 000 from the complainant.

“The loan was never settled as agreed and the complainant suffered an actual prejudice. Ellis was found guilty on both cases respectively without any option of fine. Both sentences will run concurrently,” she said.

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