SIX YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING 

18 FEBRUARY 2026

SIX YEARS’ DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING 

The Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced Iwin Witbooi (36), a former irrigation specialist salesman at Co-Op Patensie, to six years’ direct imprisonment for theft and money laundering involving irrigation pipes and equipment valued at approximately R5.6 million. Between August 2019 and March 2022, Witbooi exploited his position by stealing irrigation equipment and selling it to a local farmer at significantly discounted prices. He used an elaborate scheme to conceal the theft and launder the proceeds. 

The investigation revealed that Witbooi would place orders with suppliers purportedly on behalf of the Co-Op’s account but arrange for the stock to be collected directly from suppliers and delivered to the farmer’s property, Wisteria Boerdery. To facilitate the scheme, he manipulated the Co-Op’s stock control system by altering delivery notes and invoices to disguise the true destination of the stolen equipment. 

The farmer paid for the stolen goods into a Capitec bank account belonging to a third party, which was used as a conduit to launder the funds. The third party would then transfer the money into Witbooi’s personal bank account, enabling him to benefit from the proceeds of his unlawful conduct. Further investigation established that Witbooi and the farmer had a long-standing arrangement. The farmer solicited orders from other farmers in the area and sold the stolen equipment at discounted prices. The irrigation pipes were delivered to buyers by a driver employed by the farmer, who was unaware of the unlawful origin of the goods. 

Witbooi’s conduct caused significant financial prejudice to Co-Op Patensie and undermined trust within the farming community. A surprise stock-take conducted in February 2022 uncovered substantial stock shortages, prompting the Co-Op to institute a disciplinary enquiry, which resulted in Witbooi’s dismissal. Witbooi pleaded guilty to both charges and submitted a plea in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, admitting to the essential elements of the offences. The court accepted the plea and sentenced him to 12 years’ imprisonment, with six years suspended for five years, resulting in six years’ effective direct imprisonment. 

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating team for their efforts in bringing the matter to a finality. “This case demonstrates the National Prosecuting Authority’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and corruption. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who abuse positions of trust are held accountable,” he said. He also expressed appreciation to the prosecutor, Advocate Kenneth Cooney, for his dedication to the case. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of institutions and ensuring accountability for those who exploit positions of trust for personal gain. Commercial crimes have far-reaching consequences for businesses, employees, and communities, and the NPA will continue to prioritise the prosecution of such offences to protect the economy and uphold the rule of law. 

Issued by: 

Luxolo Tyali NPA 

Regional Spokesperson 

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630 

Cell: 073 555 9292 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za 

Enquiries: nmakupula@npa.gov.za / 068 268 2473