Financial Accountant Sentenced for Fraud and Money Laundering

02 April 2025
 

Financial Accountant Sentenced for Fraud and Money Laundering

The Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Mmabatho has sentenced Jan Jacobus Van Niekerk (39) to direct imprisonment for 157 counts of fraud and 53 counts of money laundering. The court consolidated all counts for sentencing, handing down a 15-year sentence for fraud and a further five years for money laundering. The court ruled that the sentences would run concurrently, effectively resulting in 15 years of imprisonment. Additionally, Van Niekerk was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The conviction stems from his tenure as a Financial Accountant at Botselo Mills, a company producing maize products such as super maize meal, samp, and rice near Delareyville, in the North West. As an accounting officer, Van Niekerk had access to the company's bank account and was authorised to transact within its banking system.


Investigations revealed that between 05 January 2017 and 29 July 2022, he fraudulently created authorisation forms to release funds, misrepresenting transactions to divert company money into his six personal bank accounts. Posing as legitimate service providers, he siphoned over R8 million from the company over six years. His actions resulted in severe financial setbacks for the company, leading to retrenchments. He was arrested and later released on bail.

In court, Van Niekerk pleaded guilty to all charges. During sentencing, State Advocate Matshidiso Ramakgaphola argued that his crimes were motivated by greed, as he was already earning a salary. She further emphasised that his fraudulent activities had direct consequences, including job losses. Delivering the judgment, Magistrate Mothibi noted that Van Niekerk showed no remorse and failed to apologise to the complainant.

“We welcome this sentence as a warning to others who may consider engaging in financial crimes,” said Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West. “The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting commercial crime and ensuring justice is served.”

Issued by:

Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer – North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367