Nicole Bekker (37), the former general manager of Gqeberha Acres Spar, and Chantelle Erasmus (48), the store’s former bookkeeper, appeared before the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on April 23 on allegations of fraud, theft, and money laundering.
The pair were arrested by the Hawks’ Gqeberha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on the same day as their court appearance.
Between 2021 and 2023, Bekker and Erasmus allegedly conspired to misappropriate the store’s daily cash. According to investigators, their responsibilities included recording and banking the store’s daily takings into the business account. However, instead of depositing the cash, the suspects reportedly kept the money for their personal gain in tranches.
In some instances, they reportedly instructed another individual to deposit cash into the account to mask their actions. The discrepancies were uncovered during an audit, leading to the matter being referred to the Hawks for further investigation.
Following an intensive investigation, it was confirmed that the duo had colluded with the intention to steal from the store. Spar suffered financial prejudice amounting to R2.3 million.
On April 23, investigators apprehended Bekker and Erasmus. The duo subsequently appeared in court, where they were each released on R5000 bail. The case has been postponed to June 17, 2025 for the defence to receive copies of the docket.
“The investigation revealed overwhelming evidence of the suspects’ connivance to defraud the business,” said Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, spokesperson for the Hawks’ Gqeberha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.
Brigadier Romeo Fredrick Petrus, Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, praised the team for their commitment to the case. “We commend the Gqeberha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for their relentless pursuit of justice in this matter. Their efforts ensured no stone was left unturned,” said Petrus.
The case is now under judicial review, with further proceedings set to shed light on the extent of the alleged fraud.
