Ex-Attorney Gets Direct Imprisonment for R2.3m Theft

EX-ATTORNEY GETS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR R2.3 MILLION THEFT

The Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes’ Court has sentenced ex-attorney Langelihle Dube (52) to 10 years of direct imprisonment for the theft of approximately R2.3 million, from two of his clients between the period of 2009 to 2011. In the first instance, a sum of R1.4 million was paid into Dube’s trust account by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and was meant for a young boy who had been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. The second amount of R900,000 was for an insurance payout on a deceased estate. Whilst the monies went into Dube’s account, he never forwarded it to the beneficiaries. Dube, who ran his firm, was arrested following an investigation by the Attorneys Fidelity Fund and members of the SAPS.

In aggravation of the sentence, Senior State Advocate, Wendy O’Brien reminded the court that attorneys are placed in a position of trust and have an obligation towards their clients. Dube’s breach of this trust has brought the legal profession into disrepute. She added that Dube, who had been a claims handler at the RAF at some stage in his career would have realised the consequences of stealing money due to a victim. In sentencing Dube, the court deviated from the minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment for each of the counts, due to his health issues. Dube was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for the theft of the R1.4 million, and 08 years imprisonment for the theft of the R900 000. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter and congratulates the prosecution and the various investigating teams on a job well done, in holding the accused accountable for his actions.

Kind regards,

Natasha Kara
Regional Spokesperson: DPP KZN
Enquiries: nramkisson@npa.gov.za
0716700229