Ex-school principal sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for fraud! The Taung Regional Court in the North West province has sentenced former Taung Agricultural College principal, Motlagomang Prudence Mathloko, 43, to a fine of R12,000 or four years imprisonment.
Mathloko was found guilty of two counts of fraud related to fraudulent travel claims submitted during her tenure at the institution.
Fraudulent Activities Uncovered
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, conducted an investigation that revealed Mathloko’s fraudulent actions. According to Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, Mathloko submitted travel claims for personal reimbursement between October and December 2017.
However, the investigation found that the vehicle for which she claimed travel costs had been in a garage for repairs during that time.
Further evidence revealed that she had used an official vehicle for the trips in question, making her claims illegitimate. Through these fraudulent submissions, Mathloko was paid over R17,000.
Arrest and Sentencing
Following the Hawks’ investigation, Mathloko was arrested in March 2020. She was released on warning and subsequently made several court appearances before being convicted.
The court sentenced Mathloko to either pay a R12,000 fine or serve four years in prison. Half of her sentence was suspended for five years on the condition that she does not commit any further acts of fraud during this period.
Law Enforcement and Prosecution Applauded
Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, North West’s acting head of the Hawks, and Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, welcomed the court’s sentencing. They commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution teams for their work on the case.
Their statement underscores the commitment to holding individuals accountable for corrupt activities, particularly in public institutions where fraud undermines trust and resource management.
Similar Cases of Fraud
Mathloko’s sentencing highlights broader issues of fraud within South Africa. In another case reported last year, a North West woman, Nachy Britz, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for defrauding clients of R3.7 million by promising them low-priced luxury vehicles imported from the United States.
The Britz Case
Between 2016 and 2018, Britz presented herself as a legitimate businesswoman who could import luxury vehicles at reasonable prices. According to Mathebula, Britz convinced her victims to trust her with significant sums of money.
One victim paid Britz over R2.9 million for the importation of Ford Mustangs and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Another victim, who entered into a business partnership with her, contributed over R800,000.
Despite these payments, the promised vehicles never materialized, and Britz was eventually convicted on two counts of fraud. In October 2022, the Brits Magistrate’s Court sentenced her to 15 years in prison, reflecting the severity of her crimes.
Importance of Accountability
Both cases underscore the importance of vigilance, accountability, and justice in addressing fraudulent activities. Fraud not only damages trust in individuals but also undermines institutions, businesses, and public confidence.
The successful investigation and prosecution of Mathloko and Britz demonstrate the effectiveness of South Africa’s law enforcement and judicial systems in tackling financial crimes. These cases also serve as a warning to others considering similar actions.
Conclusion
Motlagomang Prudence Mathloko’s sentencing for fraudulent travel claims is a reminder of the consequences of abusing positions of trust. While the R12,000 fine or four-year imprisonment reflects the relatively smaller scale of her fraud compared to the R3.7 million defrauded by Nachy Britz, both cases highlight the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability in public and private roles.
Law enforcement and prosecution teams continue to play a critical role in ensuring justice is served, reinforcing the message that fraudulent actions will not be tolerated.
In other news – Minnie Dlamini gushes over her Son’s first medal in swimming competition
South African TV personality Minnie Dlamini is beaming with pride after her son, Netha, achieved a major milestone—his first swimming medal. Taking to social media, the proud mom shared a touching post that gave her fans a glimpse into her son’s accomplishment and their special bond.
Dlamini, known for sharing snippets of her life on social media, posted a photo of herself and Netha in a swimming pool, radiating joy and pride. Read More
