A Nelson Mandela Bay municipal employee who stole over R1 million from an orphan's estate appeared in the Commercial Crimes Court in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
The 50-year-old Mary Madaka who is the head accountant for the Metro's Assistance to the Poor Programme, pleaded guilty to stealing the money that was intended for Daniel Vanqa, the son of close family friends over whom she and her husband had guardianship.
When Vanqa's father became terminally ill, he entrusted her with his estate which was meant to be used for the upliftment and education of his only son. Vanqa, who is now 21-years-old.
State prosecutor Ulrike De Klerk outlined in detail how she went on a spending spree during April and May 2010, drawing money and swiping for lavish home decor items. On one specific day in April, she spent over R200,000 and made payments to Easy Life Kitchens to the tune of R51,000 and spent R42,000 on tiles for her bathroom, the court heard.
Meanwhile, her defence, legal aid attorney Anlen Murray, argued that his client had pleaded guilty to the charges of theft and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
He said Madaka was remorseful and signed over her property to Vanqa. However, the State argued that the promises of repayment were mere "lip service" and the Asset Forfeiture Unit had to get involved so that Vanqa could get compensated.
Magistrate Lionel Lindoor will pass down a sentence on October 17.
- African News Agency (ANA
