Seven-year sentence sends warning after manager siphons over R2m from employer

Seven-year sentence sends warning after manager siphons over R2m from employer

A Pretoria court has handed down a firm sentence to a former company manager who quietly redirected millions meant for suppliers into his own bank account, a case that has reignited debate around trust, accountability and so-called “white-collar” crime in South Africa.

Jans Daniel Naude, 44, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment this week after being convicted on 23 counts of fraud. Three years of the sentence have been suspended for five years, on condition that he does not commit fraud or theft during that period. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

How the fraud unfolded

Naude appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where it emerged that he had abused his senior position at Fanatics Trading (Pty) Ltd, a company operating in food manufacturing and meat and poultry processing.

He was employed as the Technical and Production Manufacturing Facilities Manager from 2014 until February 2024 a role that gave him control over ordering bulk stock, including chicken products. Between August 2016 and January 2022, Naude created fake invoices and delivery notes that appeared to come from a legitimate supplier, Federated Meats.

Instead of using the supplier’s real banking details, he replaced them with his own First National Bank account. Over time, more than R2 million was unlawfully paid directly to him.

Discovery and fallout

The scheme came to light when senior management noticed unusually high and irregular stock purchases. An independent audit confirmed the fraud, prompting the company to report the matter to the police.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the financial damage was so severe that the company had to borrow money simply to keep paying staff salaries a detail that resonated strongly in court and online, where many South Africans pointed out that “paper crimes” often hurt ordinary workers the most.

Court rejects plea for leniency

Naude pleaded guilty and argued for a non-custodial sentence, citing that he was a first-time offender and the primary caregiver to his two minor children. Through his legal team, he also claimed he acted after feeling aggrieved at being overlooked for a promotion.

The State, however, pushed back hard. Prosecutor Lerato Phoebe Labuschagne told the court the case involved a serious breach of trust and called for a sentence that would serve as a deterrent.

Magistrate Ignatius du Preez agreed, finding that Naude showed no genuine remorse and only pleaded guilty because the State’s case was strong. The court also noted that Naude failed to explain what he did with the stolen money.

A broader message on white-collar crime

The NPA has welcomed the sentence, saying it reinforces that fraud and corruption are not victimless crimes.

In a country where economic pressure is felt daily, from rising food prices to job insecurity the case has struck a chord. Many South Africans see it as a reminder that financial crimes inside boardrooms and offices can be just as damaging as crimes on the street.

For employers, the case underscores the importance of internal controls and regular audits. For employees, it sends a clear message: positions of trust come with responsibility and abusing them carries real consequences.

{Source: The Citizen}

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