Two former employees of Gqeberha Acres Spar, Nicole Bekker and Chantelle Erasmus, have been arrested for allegedly stealing R2.3 million from the store over a two-year period.
Bekker, 37, who served as the general manager, and Erasmus, 48, the former bookkeeper, were taken into custody by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit on April 23. The arrests followed an internal audit that uncovered major financial discrepancies.
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According to the Hawks, between 2021 and 2023, the pair allegedly diverted cash meant for the store’s business account and instead split it between themselves. In some instances, a third party was reportedly used to carry out deposits to cover up the theft.
After appearing in court on the same day of their arrest, both suspects were released on R5,000 bail. The case has been postponed to June 17, allowing time for the defense to receive and review the case docket.
They are currently facing charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering. The acting provincial Hawks head praised investigators for their meticulous work in uncovering the scheme.