The prison doors have slammed shut behind Gqeberha accountant Liezel Badenhorst who stole almost R18m from her previous employer to feed her severe gambling addiction.
Badenhorst, 44, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on one count of theft in the city's specialised commercial crimes court on Tuesday.
In September, she pleaded guilty to stealing the money from the trust account of Du Toit Attorneys Inc.
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For five years (between February 2018 and March 2023) she would steal and replace monies unbeknownst to her previous employer until the fraud division at Absa Bank started sounding the alarm bells in 2022.
She was tasked with accounting functions, specifically managing client investments, and holding operator rights to the DTS Trust and Business bank accounts.
Badenhorst manipulated the books by falsifying financial records and created the false impression that the accounting records were accurately maintained.
The banking details of DTS clients were replaced with her own while monies were freely transferred between accounts.
In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Vuziwe Mnyani said it was clear that Badenhorst's actions negatively affected Andrika and Rian Du Toit on an emotional, financial, and psychological level.
"You broke the trust that your employers had in you.
"They had to take out loans and sell properties to recoup their losses. A huge amount of interest must still be repaid."
Mnyani made mention of evidence that had been presented in court where Badenhorst at some stage "blamed" the Du Toit's for not having proper checks and balances in place to catch her out sooner.
Also read: Sentence looms for Gqeberha accountant who stole R18m from employer
According to Mnyani, the fact that the crimes were committed over some time was an aggravating factor.
She said Badenhorst would at first steal small amounts, which later grew and led to an amount of R450,000 being stolen in one day.
"Had the employer not discovered the theft you would have continued your illicit activities."
In touching on Badenhorst's guilty plea, Mnyani said it seemed like she had no other choice to do so, considering the overwhelming evidence the State had against her.
On whether or not Badenhorst was remorseful, Mnyani said she demonstrated "more regret" than genuine remorse.
When evidence was led in mitigation of sentence, the court heard how Badenhorst's severe gambling addiction had taken over her life.
She would on numerous occasions ban herself from casinos like the Boardwalk but would return to gamble unabated once the ban was lifted.
After initially banning herself for life from the Boardwalk, the entire life ban was lifted after counseling sessions with a psychologist.
A thick lever arch file that details her every transaction at the Boardwalk was handed in as evidence during pre-sentencing procedures.
Badenhorst also gambled online and at smaller outlets in the city.
Mnyani, however, said an addiction would not justify a departure from the minimum prescribed sentence of 15 years in prison, nor could it be used as an excuse for committing an offence.
A probation officer's report stated that Badenhorst was a suitable candidate for a sentence of correctional supervision, but Mnyani disagreed.
"Considering the gravity of this case, a sentence of correctional supervision is wholly inadequate.
"First offenders are treated with mitigation, however, the nature and callousness of your actions shows that you have no regard for other people," said Mnyani.
The court found that the interest of society outweighed Badenhorst's personal interests and circumstances.
Andrika du Toit said they were pleased with the court's decision, though she feels sorry for the accused and her family.
She encouraged people with addictions to seek help before going down a path of making the wrong decisions.
Badenhorst's attorney, Johnny Bakker said it was proven that the stolen monies were gambled away at the Boardwalk Casino.
"In terms of responsible gambling as advocated, a casino should consider paying back the money to the rightful owners."
Badenhorst will in all likelihood became an inmate at the female correctional centre in East London.
