Thokozile Mnguni
Disbarred attorney Clea Hattingh (43) has been released on R5 000 bail by the White River Magistrate’s Court after appearing on charges of theft and contravention of the Legal Practice Act.
Hattingh handed herself over to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Nelspruit on 21 May 2026, accompanied by her legal representative, after a warrant for her arrest was issued.
The charges stem from allegations that she unlawfully benefited from client funds amounting to more than R2 million between 2018 and 2021. The Hawks’ investigation relates to funds entrusted to her by multiple clients in unrelated matters.
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said investigators allege that the former legal practitioner benefited from funds belonging to three clients, including estates involving deceased family members and a divorce matter.
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 matter linked to a deceased wife.
In a separate divorce dispute, Hattingh is accused of misappropriating trust account funds, resulting 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,” said Nkosi.
The court granted Hattingh bail subject to strict conditions. She must surrender her travel documents to the investigating officer, may not contact state witnesses, and must report to her nearest police station once a week.
Hattingh, who is currently employed as an administration officer at her father’s funeral parlour business, is expected to return to court on 27 July 2026.