The fraud case involving another major law firm in Bloemfontein, Matsepes Inc. Attorneys, and a former admin clerk is set to continue in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (08/09).
A similar matter involving Phatshoane Henney Attorneys ended in sentencing.
The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein probed both cases after they were reported.
Matsepes’ case against Herman Daniel Badenhorst (34) involves R4 million. He faces charges of fraud and money laundering.
Badenhorst, out on R10 000 bail, was fired after discovery of the alleged fraudulent activities.
He allegedly swindled the firm by authorising payments from insolvent estate accounts and then filed the necessary requisitions for payments to be made into his personal bank accounts.
This happened in the period of February 2018 to January 2021.
Phatshoane’s matter ended on 26 August with the sentencing of Giselle Taylor Maritz (45) to five years’ direct imprisonment for defrauding the firm of R6 million.
The court found her guilty of fraud and money laundering, as well as contravention of the Electronic Communication and Transaction Act.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson of the Hawks, said investigation began in 2020.
“It was discovered that Maritz was unlawfully transferring trust funds to her personal bank account and then to her mother’s bank account. Fraudulent transactions were done between 2015 and 2019,” he said.
Singo said no money was recovered.
“The firm takes note of the conviction of Giselle Maritz and is thankful that this matter has now been laid to rest,” said Lesley Mokgoro, chief executive officer of Phatshoane Henney.
“The firm has no comment on the period of conviction and abides by the findings of the court. I also believe it is important to confirm that full restitution has been made to all affected parties and that no harm was suffered by any person or estate.”
