Janette Heyns (48) was convicted as charged for fraud by the Bethlehem Regional Court on Friday, 26 February 2021.
Her conviction emanates from fraudulent transactions that took place from October 2016 to January 2018 where she was working as an Administrative Clerk at Harrington Attorneys responsible for receiving and banking money for the company.
It is alleged the said period she transferred the money from the company’s account to her own personal bank account and her children’s bank accounts.
As a result, the company suffered a total loss of R827 000. A case was opened and handed over to the Hawk’s Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Bethlehem for further handling. Heyns appeared in court on several occasions culminating in her recent conviction on Friday.
The court sentenced Heyns to 8 years imprisonment, of which 5 years is suspended on condition that she pays the amount of R1013000-00 back to the complainant. Heyns will serve 3 years of direct imprisonment.