What began as a regular audit at Shepstone Place had accountants puzzling over a number of alleged irregular transactions that point to fraud on a fairly large scale.
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An EFT payment for a dog kennel reflected on the retirement home’s bank statements raised some eyebrows, prompting auditors to dig deeper into the financials. Aware that no pets are allowed at the home, the auditors immediately brought the peculiar purchase to the attention of the chairperson, Sheryl Lane.
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Management and members of the board immediately suspected that former administrator Debbie Potgieter, who was employed there from 2009 until her resignation in February this year, may have allegedly misappropriated funds.
This led to a more thorough investigation, with staff even coming in after hours, on weekends and on public holidays, to scrutinise the financial records of the past five years. The damning evidence on hand points to the likelihood that Mrs Potgieter may allegedly have utilised her position for self-benefit at the expense of the elderly, as well as the Home’s generous donors.
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“Estcourt police detectives are investigating a case of fraud,” confirmed police spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan. “We unfortunately cannot divulge any further details concerning the investigation, which is at an advanced stage.”
An SAPS investigator did, however, confirm that Mrs Potgieter is the subject of the investigation.
Read the full story in this week’s Estcourt News
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