The Durban Regional Court sentenced Desiree James Govender to 12 years’ imprisonment after she was convicted on charges of fraud on Tuesday (July 28).

In addition to her sentence, James (43) was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

SAPS Durban Central spokesperson Sergeant Zanele Khomo shared the background of the crime. “On August 26, 2021, at about 11:00, the accused, who was a bookkeeper at a company on Margaret Mncadi Avenue, committed a fraudulent transaction by duplicating transactions and transferring monies to her bank account to the value of R3m.

Also read: FNB fraudster sentenced to 18 years imprisonment

“A case of fraud and theft was opened at Durban Central police station by the owner of the company, and the investigation was handed to the fraud unit. The investigation continued with assistance from the forensics unit and others. This led to the arrest of the suspect. She was traced at Port Elizabeth.”

Khomo added that an arrangement was made with Port Elizabeth police, and the suspect made her first court appearance at Gelvandale Magistrates’ Court, and her bail was opposed.

“The suspect was thereafter transferred to Durban Central police station for further investigation. She made several court appearances until she was sentenced and convicted by the Durban Regional Court on July 27, 2026,” Khomo said.

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