Superspar accountant found guilty of stealing over R50m

The Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has handed down a conviction to an accountant who siphoned more than R50 million from two Superspar branches from 2020 to 2022.

Jonathan Simon Blow (52) was charged with theft and fraud after executive personnel at the franchise blew the whistle on his dodgy dealings.

The trial was remanded to 23 November for pre-sentencing and the submission of psychology reports, which will help determine the appropriate punishment for Blow’s crimes.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said the illicit activities took place between 3 July 2020 and 19 September 2022 when Blow held the position of accounting officer for both Sunridge Superspar and Despatch Superspar. He was nabbed a few months later.

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Bank accounts

“Blow was granted full access and administration rights to the trading bank accounts of these businesses, which were crucial for their day-to-day operations.

“During this period, Blow not only billed the stores for his services but also orchestrated a deliberate and unlawful transfer of funds,” Captain Mgolodela said.

Blow funnelled more than R40 million from Sunridge Superspar and more than R11 million from Despatch Superspar into his personal bank account.

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Blow has reportedly been removed from the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA) roll over the incident.