Hawks’ investigation into Boksburg woman’s R460-m fraud is finalised

Can you recall our report on the Cinderella woman who allegedly defrauded her former employee of over R460-million? Here are the new developments in the case.

Investigators have finalised their probe into the Boksburg woman, Hildegard Steenkamp, accused of defrauding a medical equipment company supplier, Medtronic, of over R460-million, the Hawks said.

READ STORY: Hawks swoop on luxury Cinderella home, woman charged with fraud of over R460-million

Steenkamp, who is out on bail of R250 000, was arrested by the Hawks Commercial Crime Unit on December 13, and has made several court appearances in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

In an unexpected turn of events in the case, members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit subsequently arrested the accused’s boyfriend Deon Peterse (45), and son, Johannes Steenkamp (23) and charged them with fraud. They were granted bail of R20 000 each during their first court appearance in June last year.

The case was postponed to August 14 for disclosure.

According to the police report, Hildegard, who worked as an accountant at the Midrand-based company, allegedly duplicated payments by transferring money directly into her late husband’s bank account.

It was reported that years after Hildegard had resigned‚ the company’s new accountant picked up irregularities and the information was then handed over to the Hawks.

Following a three-month investigation, the Hawks descended on her house with search-and-seizure warrants and attached the woman’s 11 luxury vehicles, motorcycles and seven immovable properties as well as furniture, appliances and jewellery worth millions of rand. She was arrested and charged with fraud.

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