Farmer loses almost R 4.5million following theft by farm manager
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A thorough investigations by Hawks in Mpumalanga has led to a successful arrest and sentencing of a 40 years old former farm manager in Mpumalanga.
It Is alleged that between 26 January 2016 to 20 July 2017, the now convicted Kenneth Keletso Chiloane was employed as a general farm manager at “Koeltehuis” farm near Hazyview in Mpumalanga where he was managing the Yellow Fleet and all assets of the farm, on behalf of the complainant/ farm owner.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala said that it was found that Chiloane used farm equipment for his benefit by rendering services to other entities without the knowledge of the farm owner, complainant.
“The accused further submitted false tax invoices to these “non listed entities” on behalf of “Sesi Waka Trading CC”, a close corporation (referred to as accused no 2), of which Chiloane is the sole director and sole signatory.”
“These “non listed entities” made several payments and transfers for services rendered into the business bank account of “Sesi Waka Trading CC”, whereas accused misrepresented Koeltehuis farm with intention, prejudicing and causing an actual loss to the farm. The total loss amounted to R 4 436 067.91.”
Chiloane and his company Sesi Waka Trading CC were found guilty by Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crime Court on multiple charges of Fraud , Theft and Money Laundering on July 9th, 2024. He was sentenced to 5 years direct imprisonment while his company was sentenced to R200 000.00 fine which is wholly suspended for five(05) years on condition that it is not convicted for the same crime during the period of suspension.
In addition, application for confiscation order was authorised on the conviction date, whereas the matter was postponed to 20 January 2025 for the defendant reply to the enquiry.
