Thokozile Mnguni
A former legal practitioner is expected to appear in court after she was arrested on charges of theft and contravention of the Legal Practice Act, following allegations that she unlawfully benefited from client funds amounting to more than R2 million between 2018 and 2021.
The arrest follows an investigation by the Hawks into alleged financial misconduct involving funds entrusted by multiple clients.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi confirmed that the accused handed herself over to the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Nelspruit on Thursday, accompanied by her legal representative, following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against her.
“Investigators allege that the former practitioner benefited from funds belonging to three clients in unrelated matters, including estates involving deceased family members and a divorce case,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi.
It is alleged that she received R1 634 190.02 in a matter involving a deceased son and a further R452 513.75 in another case linked to a deceased wife.
In a separate matter, she is accused of misappropriating trust account funds in a divorce dispute, which resulted in a loss of R116 927.00 to another complainant.
“The arrest follows an extensive investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Nelspruit,” he added.
The accused, who is currently employed as an administration officer at her father’s funeral parlour business, remains in custody and is expected to make her first court appearance at the White River Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation welcomed the arrest, saying law enforcement would continue to act without fear or favour.
“Our team will continue to work without fear or favour, regardless of a person’s position in society. We remain committed to rendering professional service to all victims of crime,” the General said.