The Bafokeng Regional Court sentenced Hilda Matlhabadie Tlou (41) and Authalia Busika (47) to R20 000,00 fine or five years’ imprisonment on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, after they were found guilty of fraud.

Between 2012 and 2013, Tlou, a former clerk at the Bafokeng Magistrate office and Busika, a former clerk at the Rustenburg Platinum mine, reportedly connived and created a fraudulent Power of Attorney letter for maintenance from a beneficiary file of the complainant. They allegedly stole R5500, 00, which they shared among themselves.

Following an investigation, the pair was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in 2015. Tlou was released on warning, while Busika was released on R5000, 00 bail. The accused made a series of court appearances until they were convicted and sentenced. They were sentenced to R20 000,00 fine or five years’ imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not found guilty of fraud during the period of suspension.

The North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari have lauded the investigation and prosecution team for securing a successful conviction against the accused.

Source : South African Police Service