Reena (45) and Christopher Moonsamy (49) of Port Shepstone were recently sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment for theft and money laundering in the Port Shepstone Regional Court.

According to the records, it’s the South Coast’s first money laundering case.

During August 2021, the owner of an import/export company discovered he had been defrauded after his bank contacted him regarding some large payments that were being made from his account. An amount of R1 224 500 was taken.

A case of theft was immediately opened for investigation.

Reena was sentenced on a charge of theft to five years’ direct imprisonment. Her husband, Christopher was sentenced on a charge of theft to five years, and another five years for money laundering. His sentences will run concurrently.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said two more people linked to the case have been arrested and appeared in court. Their case has been postponed to May.

Sohana Moodley is the state prosecutor and the investigating officer is Detective Heidi van der Merwe.