Former Clover manager in court for allegedly defrauding employer over R3 million - IOL

Former Clover manager accused of R3m fraud in Kimberley.

A 45-year-old former manager at Clover Kimberley branch has been released on R10,000 bail after appearing in the Kimberley Serious Commercial Crimes Court in Northern Cape on allegations that he defrauded his employer of more than R3 million.

Werner Veldman made a brief appearance in court after being arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Johannesburg.

Police said Veldman faces charges of fraud, alternatively theft, alternatively contravening the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002, as well as contravening the Companies Act.

The Hawks allege that between January 1 and April 30, 2024, Veldman, who was employed as a manager at Clover South Africa’s Kimberley branch, manipulated the company’s accounting system.

It is alleged that invoices that had been paid in cash were captured on the system as electronic fund transfers (EFTs).

The alleged discrepancies were uncovered during the company’s bank reconciliation process, when differences were identified between cash received and amounts recorded as bank transfers.

According to the Hawks, the alleged conduct resulted in an actual financial loss of more than R3 million to the company.

Following his arrest in Johannesburg, Veldman was transported to Kimberley to face the charges.

The court granted him bail of R10,000.

The matter was postponed to October 14, 2026, for further investigation.