| 2024/11/13 |
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Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – The Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes court convicted and sentenced Liezel Badenhorst (44), a former law firm trust accountant on 12 November 2024, for fraud. Badenhorst was arrested by the Gqeberha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks on 24 July 2024 and appeared in court the same day of her arrest where she was released on R10 000 bail. During the period between 2018 and 2023, Badenhorst misappropriated funds from Du Toit Attorneys. During the time, Badenhorst’s role at the law firm was to manage the clients’ investment funds, trust receipts and payments. The business entity managing director picked up discrepancies in the trust bank account, the matter was referred to the Hawks for thorough Investigation. Preliminary investigations divulged that the Badenhorst made unauthorized transactions by transferring cash from practice trust bank account to her personal bank account in tranches. The investigations by the Hawks further revealed that the accused used login details of a senior attorney and made several transactions by transferring money into her bank account. Subsequently, the law firm was prejudiced cash to the value over R17 million. Furthermore, the accused manipulated the accounting system which resulted into falsification of financial records. Badenhorst made numerous court appearances until her sentencing by the Gqeberha Commercial Crimes court on 12 November 2024. She was sentenced to twelve years’ direct imprisonment with no option of a fine. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Obed Ngwenya applauded the investigating team for making sure that the accused received a substantial sentence. He further said the sentence will send a stern message to the criminals out there. Ends
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