ESTCOURT KZN: Date for Shepstone Place fraud case to be finalised in July

Finances and emotions have just started to steady at Shepstone Place Home for the Aged after the 2019 revelation that one of its trusted employees was suspected of misappropriating funds and subsequently charged with fraud.

Debbie Potgieter, who was employed at the facility since 2009 and resigned in February 2019, was accused of defrauding the Home for self-benefit, at the expense of the elderly and generous donors.

READ MORE HERE: Former Shepstone Place administrator accused of fraud

Auditors uncovered an irregularity when an electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment for a dog kennel reflected on the retirement home’s bank statements.

They dug deeper and after an exhaustive process, which is still continuing, it was declared that about R1.2 million had been misused.

Mrs Potgieter was charged for fraud, with civil and criminal cases filed against her.

The civil case has been wrapped up, with an agreement reached for Mrs Potgieter to pay back R500,000. Home administrator Roline Vaughan confirmed that the entire amount was paid in two instalments, with the last deposit reflecting on April 29.

On Monday, Mrs Vaughan (representing the Home) and Mrs Potgieter arrived at the Estcourt Regional Court to decide on a date for the criminal case to proceed.

“Debbie’s lawyer could not come, so the matter was postponed to July 2. When we appear in July, we will be given a date for the court case to start,” commented Mrs Vaughan.

Due to strict Covid-19 restrictions, only individuals directly involved in the case are allowed access to the courtroom and even Shepstone Place committee members could not be present.

Mrs Vaughan assures the community that they will be kept updated about the court proceedings as they unfold.

RELATED ARTICLES: