Theft sentencing postponed for Richards Bay businesswoman

Businesswoman Rhana Naicker, found guilty of theft in April, is yet to be sentenced after her matter was postponed in the Ngwelezana Magistrate’s Court this week.

Set to appear in court on Tuesday and Wednesday for evidence the State intended to lead before sentencing, the matter was postponed after Naicker’s defence sent an agent acting on their behalf to withdraw as her attorney on record, citing a conflict of interest on the first day.

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The matter was rolled over to Wednesday for her defence to present themselves at court and proceed with the application for withdrawal of attorneys.

While no details of the matter were presented in court owing to confidentially, it was noted that it was clear there was an issue between the attorney and the accused, and the application to withdraw was granted.

Charged in August 2022, Naicker allegedly illegally acted as a broker for the sale of shares in the then Caltex Alton garage franchise in 2017 where the complainant paid R500 000 for fraudulent shares.

The trial was held in March. Naicker was found not guilty on the charges relating to fraud, money laundering, forgery and uttering, and guilty only on the theft count.

The matter will be back in court on 6 October for the accused to instruct a new attorney, and to ensure they access all the documents from the clerk of the court and present at the next court appearance.

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