VEREENIGING – The fraud case against Joane van de Gevel, a former accountant and secretary, has been postponed again after the accused did not appear in court on May 14.

Van de Gevel, who is charged with financial fraud, was expected to briefly appear in court, but her legal representative, Muhammed Omar, already indicated to the state prosecutor on May 12 that he would request bank statements from Van de Gevel’s employer.

The complainant, Van de Gevel’s former employer Johannes Jurgens Hattingh (65) – owner of Martin Morgan Motors – requested that Omar consult with the auditor who prepared the report for the state.

Omar then scheduled a meeting with the auditor for 10:00 on June 18. The consultation will be attended by the auditor, as well as a detective investigating the case, during which the bank statements will be exposed.

Van de Gevel was absent from court on May 14. Omar presented the state with a medical certificate that the accused had sent him via WhatsApp. He undertook to print it out and attach it to the charge sheet. As a result, a warrant for her arrest was issued, but its execution was postponed until the next court date on July 16.

By then, the defence should have concluded their consultations and be ready to set a trial date.

CAPTION: Joane van de Gevel in the dock. With her is her lawyer, Muhammed Omar. Archive photo: Christiaan Cloete

Johannes Jurgens Hattingh (65) of Martin Morgan Motors. Photo: Christiaan Cloete

Joané van de Gevel. Photo: Christiaan Cloete