Ex‑bookkeeper jailed 10 years for R4.7m theft from Blom Vervoer

Michelle Van der Merwe, a 58-year-old former bookkeeper, was convicted and sentenced to ten years’ direct imprisonment after a court found she unlawfully took about R4.7 million from her employer, Blom Vervoer.

Verdict and sentence

The sentencing took place at KwaMaqoma Magistrate’s Court on 29 September 2026. The court handed down a ten-year direct jail term with no option of a fine.

How the theft was carried out

According to the Hawks, the theft occurred between 2008 and 2015. Van der Merwe allegedly devised and executed a scheme in which she diverted company funds by transferring money from Blom Vervoer’s bank accounts into her personal bank account.

As part of the scheme, she is accused of telling clients that the company’s banking facilities were experiencing operational difficulties and instructing them to deposit payments directly into her personal bank account, allowing her to conceal the unlawful transactions.

Investigation and arrest

The irregularities were uncovered during an internal audit, after which Blom Vervoer reported the matter to the Hawks. Van der Merwe was arrested in December 2018 by the KuGompo Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team and was later released on R5,000 bail.

Hawks statement

“As the company’s bookkeeper, Van der Merwe was entrusted with the administration of Blom Vervoer’s cheque and savings accounts. She exercised substantial control over the company’s financial affairs and had unrestricted access to its banking facilities.”

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the investigation established that Van der Merwe unlawfully appropriated approximately R4.7 million, causing substantial financial prejudice to the business.

“Following numerous court appearances, the criminal proceedings were concluded with her conviction and sentencing on 29 September 2026. The court sentenced Van der Merwe to ten years’ direct imprisonment, with no option of a fine.”

Case timeline (reported facts)

• Theft period: 2008–2015.
• Internal audit uncovered irregularities (date not specified).
• Reported to the Hawks (date not specified).
• Arrest: December 2018 by KuGompo Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
• Bail: Released on R5,000 bail (after arrest).
• Conviction and sentence: 29 September 2026, KwaMaqoma Magistrate’s Court 10 years’ direct imprisonment.