Fraudster Aletta Scrooby guilty and sentenced
MPUMALANGA: Aletta Caroline Scrooby (52) was found guilty and sentenced by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 7 September 2023 for fraud. It was reported that during April 2018, Scrooby visited Scania company in Middelburg with the allegation that she was the owner of Phakamisa Logistics, awarded a transport contract in one of the mines and requested for quotation of 90 G460 Scania trucks. She then sent fraudulent proof of payment to Scania with an amount of R 1 724 885-00.
It was then discovered that the accused used a vat registration number for the known client of Scania and the money she alleged to have paid in their account was never reflected.
The matter was reported to the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further investigation. During the investigation, the accused was linked with the crime. The investigation was finalized and the matter was brought before the Court. The accused was arrested and released on bail.
She attended court on several occasions and after the investigation was concluded the accused pleaded guilty and was convicted. The accused was sentenced as follows: Six (6) years imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that the accused is not convicted of fraud or a similar verdict on the charge of fraud which is committed during the period of suspension. Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Gregory Gaillard applauded the investigating team and prosecution authority for ensuring that justice prevailed.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
