Hartman Industrial Equipment found guilty and sentenced for fraud
MPUMALANGA: On Tuesday, 15 August 2023, the Evander Regional Court found a company guilty and sentenced the company, Hartman Industrial Equipment, based in Secunda for Fraud
The sentence followed an investigation conducted and finalised by the Hawks Secunda-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
It is alleged that in December 2020, the company Hartman Industrial Equipment had an agreement with Sasol to supply equipment called Actuators, which were manufactured by Festos. Hartman company provided the equipment that was manufactured by Omal and not Festos as agreed. For all orders received, Sasol paid an amount of R734 346-50.
After the investigation, J175 was issued for the company and the two Directors, Charles Sydney Hendry Hartman and Eulene Hartman. On 06 May 2022, they were all charged for fraud.
Also read: R1.5M Counterfeit goods seized
The accused appeared in court on several occasions, and the date for sentencing was scheduled for 15 August 2023 at Evander Regional Court. During sentencing, the court withdrew the charges against the directors and sentenced the company as follows: The Company was sentenced to: R600000 fine, wholly suspended for five years. The company was further ordered to pay an amount of R10 000 to the SPCA.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber applauded the Investigators and the prosecution team for the good work. The General further said,’’ There is no one above the Law. We shall continue to investigate all fraud cases without fear and favour. He concluded’’.
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.
