Former magistrate’s court maintenance clerk convicted for fraud will have to wait until 15 December to know her fate.
Goodness Tintswalo Mthombeni (34) was found guilty for fraud by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes court on 11 October 2023.
Between October and November 2013, the accused was employed as a maintenance clerk at Lulekani Magistrates’ court and her responsibilities were to administer the payments of child maintenance.
After collecting the money, she was expected to pay the beneficiaries but the accused became greedy and decided to take the money for her personal use. Although she stole the money, she would update the register as if she paid the beneficiaries. The auditors revealed the shenanigans and the matter was reported to the Polokwane based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members.
A case of fraud was opened and meticulously investigated. The accused was arrested on 22 April 2014 and released on bail after numerous court appearances until she was convicted on 22 counts of fraud. The matter was postponed to 15 December 2023 for social worker’s pre-sentence report and sentencing.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General Gopz Govender has welcomed the conviction and applauded the investigation and prosecution teams for their meritorious efforts.
He further issued a stern warning to the public officials who are involved in corrupt and fraudulent activities that no matter how long it can take, the mighty hand of the law will eventually catch up with them.