LONG ARM OF THE LAW CATCHES UP WITH BANK EMPLOYEE WHO STOLE FROM ELDERLY FARMER

08 September 2025

LONG ARM OF THE LAW CATCHES UP WITH BANK EMPLOYEE WHO STOLE FROM ELDERLY FARMER

The Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced Leonie Stella Stiemie (54), a former branch administrator at FNB Kirkwood, to an effective six years’ imprisonment for two counts of theft. She was sentenced to six years on each count, with the court ordering the sentences to run concurrently. The court also ordered her to repay First Rand Limited R270 000, declared her unfit to possess a firearm, and authorised a search and seizure order for all firearms, ammunition, competency certificates, authorisation certificates, and permits in her possession.

Stiemie was convicted of stealing R400 000 from a client’s FNB Deeds Box and a further R420 000 from the same client’s bank account. The victim, 87-year-old farmer Andries David Renken from Kirkwood, tragically passed away during the lengthy trial, which was marred by delays, including the death of a handwriting expert. Between 2011 and February 2015, Renken entrusted Stiemie with R400 000 in cash to be stored in a Deeds Box at the bank. Contrary to procedure, he never received the two keys or signed a custody agreement.

When he enquired about the money in August 2014, Stiemie falsely claimed to have invested half of it on his behalf. By February 2015, she was no longer employed at FNB. After hearing of Renken’s visit to the branch, Stiemie went to his home, initially alleging the funds had been stolen in a branch robbery, a claim later proven false. She eventually admitted to taking the money and offered to repay it in instalments of R666 per month, an offer Renken rejected, citing the symbolic “devil’s number.” Stiemie only repaid R21 000. A forged deposit slip was later uncovered, with handwriting analysis confirming that the signature was hers, not Renken’s.

During the trial, Stiemie denied arranging repayment, claiming she had been under heavy medication when she visited Renken. The court, however, accepted Renken’s testimony as credible and truthful, noting that it was the only probable version of events. The matter was drawn out over several years, with repeated postponements by the defence to procure a handwriting specialist, while the original prosecutor handling the case sadly passed away in 2021.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, said: “This outcome demonstrates that justice will be served, even in cases delayed over many years. We commend Advocate Leigh-Anne Pillay-Selahle of the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit for her perseverance and dedication in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion despite the many obstacles. “The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that individuals in positions of trust are held accountable for their actions, particularly when vulnerable members of society are targeted.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Cell: 073 555 9292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za