Employee in court for using almost R1 million from company’s fleet card in 2 months

Employee in court for using almost R1 million from company’s fleet card in 2 months! Authorities in South Africa are investigating two separate high-profile fraud cases, one involving misuse of a company fleet card and another a former bank employee accused of stealing from an elderly client.

Both cases have drawn significant attention due to the large sums of money involved and the alleged breach of trust by individuals in positions of responsibility.

Fleet Card Fraud in Mpumalanga

A 51-year-old man, Joseph Sibitane, and his 48-year-old co-accused, Rwisai Rufetu, appeared in the Delmas District Court on allegations of defrauding Sibitane’s employer of nearly R1 million.

Employee in court

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi revealed that the two suspects allegedly misused a company fleet card, typically used for purchasing fuel or vehicle maintenance, over two months from October to November 2022.

“Sibitane’s employer suffered an actual loss of R935,301,” Nkosi stated.

Sibitane was arrested on January 21, 2025, by Delmas police, while Rufetu was apprehended the following day by the Hawks in Middelburg. Rufetu was reportedly arrested after appearing in court on unrelated fraud charges.

Both suspects made a brief court appearance and were remanded in custody. They are scheduled for a formal bail application on January 20, 2025.

Bank Employee Steals R800,000 from Client

In another fraud case, Leonie Stella Stiemie, a 53-year-old former employee of First National Bank (FNB) in Kirkwood, was found guilty of stealing R800,000 from an elderly client over several years.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that Stiemie stole R400,000 from the client’s FNB Deeds Box and an additional R420,000 from the client’s bank account between 2011 and 2015.

The victim, 87-year-old farmer Andries David Renken, had entrusted Stiemie, a branch administrator at the time, to securely store his funds.

“Renken had received the cash from his farming business and initially kept it at home but found that to be unsafe,” said NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali.

Stiemie convinced Renken to deposit the money in an FNB Deeds Box. However, Renken never received the keys to the box or signed a custody agreement, as is standard procedure.

Fraud Uncovered

In August 2014, Renken inquired about the funds, and Stiemie claimed she had invested half of it on his behalf. By February 2015, when Renken visited the bank, Stiemie had already left her position. Upon hearing about Renken’s visit, Stiemie allegedly went to his home to address his concerns.

Initially, she claimed the money had been stolen during a robbery at the branch. However, this explanation was disproved when no evidence of such a robbery was found.

“After admitting to taking the money, Stiemie offered to repay it in installments of R666 per month,” Tyali said.

Renken rejected the offer, citing the symbolic association of “666” as the “devil’s number.” Stiemie only managed to repay R21,000 of the stolen amount.

Legal Proceedings

Stiemie was found guilty of two counts of theft in December 2024 in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. She was released on R1,000 bail and is due for sentencing in February 2025.

Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga fleet card fraud case continues, with both accused awaiting their next court appearance.

Impact of Fraud on Trust

These cases underscore the serious implications of fraud and betrayal of trust by employees in sensitive roles. Authorities are urging businesses and individuals to remain vigilant, implement strict controls, and report suspicious activities promptly.

In both cases, the victims—whether a company or an individual—have suffered significant financial losses, and the judicial process aims to ensure justice is served.

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