A former Newcastle Municipal employee is out on R50 000 bail after she allegedly defrauded the municipality’s payroll system of a staggering R3.1 million.
According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the KZN National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Dedre van Rooyen appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Thursday morning, 23 October 2020.
Ramikisson-Kara stated, “The State’s case is that Van Rooyen manipulated the municipality’s payroll system to benefit an amount of approximately R3.1 million.”
Investigations into Van Rooyen began earlier this year, after it was discovered that she was siphoning money through the payroll system. She would apparently target employees who were in the process of retiring, changing their banking details with her.
It has come to light that Van Rooyen allegedly began defrauding the payroll as of February 2012, with the last incident taking place in June of this year.
While on bail, Van Rooyen has had to surrender her passport to the investigating officer. She is also not allowed to visit any port of entry. Van Rooyen is also not allowed to leave KZN without the consent of the investigating officer.
Newcastle Municipality was contacted for comment. However, Mlungisi Khumalo, head of the Municipality’s Communications Department, explained no comment could be given as yet. He, however, did elaborate “Unfortunately, we cannot make a comment or statement about the matter, as it is in court and sub-adjudicated.”
Author: Quinton Boucher
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
One Response
There is NO justice in this country!!!! 🤬