A former Limpopo company manager has been convicted and sentenced after admitting to defrauding her employer over R4.6 million over a period of four years.
The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Polokwane welcomed the conviction and sentencing of 53-year-old Collette Bronkhorst, who was employed by Valley’s Best as a manager responsible for financial records and bookkeeping.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Wendy Nkabi, Bronkhorst abused her position between 2010 and 2014 by manipulating the company’s financial records and processing unauthorised payments into her personal bank account as well as the business account of her husband.
Nkabi said the fraudulent transactions amounted to over R4.6 million.
The scheme was uncovered and investigated by the Hawks, leading to Bronkhorst’s arrest in Marble Hall on 23 June 2015. Following the investigation, she entered into a plea agreement with the State in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Nkabi added that the matter was finalised in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 10 June 2026. During the proceedings, Bronkhorst pleaded guilty to 660 counts of fraud and one count of defeating the ends of justice.
The court accepted her guilty plea and convicted her on all charges. She was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the fraud charges, wholly suspended for five years. In addition, she received a further five-year prison sentence for defeating the ends of justice, which was also wholly suspended for a period of five years.
The court further declared Bronkhorst unfit to possess a firearm.
Reacting to the outcome, Major General Gopz Govender, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Limpopo, said the conviction highlights the Hawks’ ongoing efforts to combat commercial crime and protect businesses from financial losses caused by internal fraud.
“This conviction demonstrates the Hawks’ commitment to holding individuals accountable for commercial crimes. We will continue to prioritise investigations that protect businesses and the economy from internal fraud,” Govender said.
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Sinenhlanhla Masilela
iol.co.za
