Emotional scenes unfolded at the Port Elizabeth Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, where a 25-year-old woman convicted of defrauding her employer, Nuwelande Agri PTY (LTD) out of R6.6 million was sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment.
An-Nei Stumke, who was employed in an administrative capacity at the Patensie-based citrus farm was sentenced on 71 counts of fraud, which occurred over three years from 2016 to January 2019.
The timid Stumke appeared defeated as Magistrate Lionel Lindoor handed down a nearly one-hour-long judgement.
Lindoor said he considered several factors in deciding what an appropriate sentence might be, including the seriousness of the crimes committed, her personal circumstances and the interest of justice.
He said, "A fine balance must however be kept and I have made sure to not over or under emphasise each factor."
In handing down his sentence he however said, she was employed in a position of trust and held a fairly senior position at the company, but the theft continued over an extended period.
"You had ample opportunity to stop but you were top-gear on a high-way until the brakes had to be applied - not by you, however, but by your former employee," he said.
Lindoor said, "You literally bit the hand that fed you."
Stumke was supported in court by her husband and family who could be heard crying throughout the judgment.
Magistrate Lindoor further told the court that although pleading guilty does not demonstrate remorse, he believed Stumke showed remorse for her actions.
Earlier, during closing arguments, the court heard that the accused and her husband Darius had approached a close family member who offered to pay the balance of what is still owed to Stumke's former employer, Solomon Ferreira.
Defence attorney Alwyn Griebenouw, said "R1.4 million will be made available to pay off the accused's debt within the next six days. The balance, amounting to R1.4 million will then be paid in May."
Earlier this month the court heard how most of the stolen money was spent on luxury items and gifts for her friends and family, including rifles for her husband and purchasing a car for herself.
At least R3 million has since been recovered.
Griebenouw also asked the court to consider a wholly suspended sentence coupled with correctional supervision as this would allow Stumke to continue working to pay back the loan.
However, State Prosecutor, Clint Jacobs said that it would send out the wrong message to the community and society at large if she were sentenced to the above conditions.
Stumke was allowed to hug her husband and parents before being led to the police van outside court.
She will serve her sentence at the North End Prison.
Magistrate Lindoor also ruled that Stumke is not unfit to possess a firearm as she is not seen as a danger in this regard.
The defence did not apply for leave to appeal the sentence.
