Businessman Theunis Crous convicted in Commercial Crimes Court but escapes jail

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Well known businessman Theunis Crous and his former chief financial officer, Almero Pienaar, have been sentenced to three years in jail or a fine of R150 000.

However, the sentence was suspended for a period of five years by Magistrate Hannes Claasen on Monday.

Claasen also acquitted them on a charge of fraud.

The pair were found guilty in the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court after the defence closed its case without leading evidence.

They had earlier pleaded not guilty to charges against them following their arrest by the Hawks in 2012.