FORMER SCHOOL FINANCE OFFICER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS

05 June 2025

FORMER SCHOOL FINANCE OFFICER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS

The Delmas Regional Court has sentenced Larrisa Aloma Vern (52), a former Finance Officer at Delmas Primary School, to 15 years’ imprisonment for defrauding the school of more than R2.7 million. Vern was convicted on 94 counts of fraud and 553 counts of money laundering, committed between March 2022 and October 2023 during her tenure as the school’s Finance Officer. Investigations revealed that Vern abused her position to manipulate the school’s banking system, depositing numerous fraudulent payments into her personal bank account. The funds were subsequently transferred to sub-accounts and used for personal expenses.

She was arrested in February 2024 following a tip-off, which came after she paid herself an unauthorised bonus. The case was referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) for further investigation. In court, the State and the accused entered into a plea and sentence agreement in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act. Vern pleaded guilty to all charges and was convicted accordingly. The school principal testified about the serious impact of the theft, describing not only the financial loss but also the disruption to school operations, relationships, and development planning.

Regional Court Prosecutor Gustav Schult highlighted the serious nature of the offences, the breach of trust, and the need for deterrence, urging the court to impose a custodial sentence. In sentencing, the court considered that the accused had been in custody since her arrest and acknowledged the gravity of the crimes. Vern was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, with 5 years suspended for 5 years on condition that she is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period. On the money laundering charges, the court imposed a 10-year sentence, with all counts taken as one. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 10 years' direct imprisonment.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit in Mpumalanga has lodged an application in terms of Section 18 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) to recover the proceeds of crime. The application is being opposed and will be heard on 03 July 2025. Serious commercial crimes undermine the economic stability of the country. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains committed to adopting a firm stance against such crimes and will continue to channel resources to ensure accountability. This sentence sends a clear message that individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal enrichment will face the full might of the law.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa
Regional Spokesperson
Director of Public Prosecutions: Mpumalanga
Tel: 013 045 0625 | Cell: 076 485 5446
Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za