Duo in Court for Allegedly Defrauding Klerksdorp Employer of Over R1.6 Million
Two women appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court in the North West on Wednesday, facing charges of fraud after allegedly siphoning more than R1.6 million from their employer.
Jeanette Sylvia Cronje, 33, and Alicia Van Der Walt, 36, were arrested earlier that day by the Hawks’ Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
The arrests followed an intensive investigation into fraudulent activities that took place between 2022 and 2024 at Klerksdorp Business Consultants and Brokers.
At the time of the alleged offences, Cronje served as the Head of Payroll, while Van Der Walt held the position of Head of Administration.
According to reports, the duo allegedly manipulated the payroll system by using the personal details of former employees who had left the company.
They then channelled salary payments into their own personal bank accounts.
Their fraudulent scheme resulted in a total financial loss of R1,634,000 for the business.
The matter was reported to the Hawks, leading to the subsequent investigation and arrest of the suspects.
During their brief court appearance, both accused were granted bail of R5,000 each.
The case has been remanded to 17 November 2026, where they will appear at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Klerksdorp.
