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A Port Elizabeth attorney has pleaded guilty to stealing money from the estate of a deceased client.
The National Prosecuting Authority said that the owner and director of Du Plessis Attorneys, Gavin Du Plessis, pleaded guilty in the city’s Specialised Commercial Crimes on Monday to theft of just over R260 000.
NPA spokesperson, Anelisa Ngcakani, said that in June 2008, Du Plessis had transferred approximately R320 000 from his deceased client’s estate account into his personal bank account instead of the law firm’s trust account.
“The accused was entitled to R60 000 in fees and thus was charged with theft of just over R260 000,” she said.
Magistrates Kenny Cooney accepted the guilty plea and found Du Plessis guilty of theft.
Ngcakani said the matter was postponed to 29 July for the court to receive a correctional supervision report and for sentencing.
