News24 reports that a woman convicted of embezzling R537 million from her employer splashed out R5 million on gambling in one night, the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court heard on Monday.
Hildegard Steenkamp spent most of the money she stole on gambling and a lavish lifestyle, according to the testimony of a forensic investigator, Graeme Dawes, who was called to testify in aggravation of sentence. Steenkamp pleaded guilty to 336 charges related to the theft of R537 million from pharmaceutical company Medtronic Africa, where she was employed as an accountant, over a 13-year period. According to Dawes' testimony, an analysis of bank statements showed the money was spent on maintaining a good life. "The significant amount was spent on overseas travel, while massive amounts went to gambling, jewellery and fashion items," Dawes told the court. He testified that Steenkamp duplicated payments and transferred money into her late husband's bank account. In one month, Steenkamp stole more than R20 million. Steenkamp handed herself over to authorities in 2018 and was granted bail. She will be sentenced this week.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Belinda Pheto at News24
- Read too, Accountant found guilty of stealing R500m from former employer, at The Citizen
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