The Middelburg police have welcomed a nine-year direct imprisonment sentence handed down to Melicia Chantel Visagie by the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on September 15.

According to Warrant Officer Nonhlanhla Mdluli, Visagie defrauded her employer through credit card machine manipulation.

Mdluli said the police reiterated their firm stance on corporate crime and commended the outcome following a thorough investigation led by Detective Sergeant Vusumuzi Hamilton Mdhluli of the Middelburg Detective Unit.

“The Middelburg Detectives branch remains committed to investigating employees who abuse company systems for personal gain,” Mdluli said.

“We will continue to ensure that those who break the law are brought before the courts and held accountable.”

Bank flags suspicious card refunds

Mdluli stated the case dates back to October 15, 2024, when a local business owner received an urgent phone call from Nedbank.

According to her, bank officials warned the owner that suspicious activity had been flagged on his company’s card machine.

“The bank alerted the complainant that potential fraud was taking place within his company. Transactions were repeatedly being refunded from the company’s account into four separate bank accounts, and the bank had documentation to prove it,” Mdluli added.

“When bank officials asked the business owner if he recognised the name Melicia Chantel Visagie, he confirmed she was employed in his company’s finance department.”

A formal case was opened immediately, leading to Visagie’s arrest after the police linked her directly to the fraudulent transactions.

Mdluli said following a lengthy court process lasting nearly two years, Visagie was formally convicted and sentenced.