Woman sentenced to 12 years in prison for R8m fraud

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed a successful prosecution of Yolandie Bartlett (41), who was sentenced to an effective 12 years imprisonment this week.

The sentence was handed down at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after Bartlett was convicted of fraud that amounted to R8m.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, the regional communications manager for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said Bartlett, who worked for Grindrod South Africa as a finance clerk, committed the offenses between May 2011 and May 2019.

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“In defrauding the company, she would create and process fictitious payments. The monies were deposited into her personal bank accounts, using four different accounts,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

Suspicions were raised when Bartlett made an error while making a payment.

“The company paid bursaries to employees at a certain time of the year, and she processed a fraudulent payment for herself at the wrong time (under the title of bursary). The company hired a forensic investigator to look into the matter and her fraud was discovered,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

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According to Ramkisson-Kara, Bartlett maintained her innocence throughout the trial, but decided to plead guilty when she realised there was overwhelming evidence against her.

“Senior State Advocate Abbey Letsholo told the court that Bartlett would have continued to steal from the company had she not been caught. Bartlett surrendered her pension of approximately R352 000 to the company,” concluded Ramkisson-Kara.

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