Former mine employee sentenced to 15 years for R9 million theft 

Rustenburg – In a significant blow to corporate fraud, Dinah Botes, aged 42, has been handed a fifteen-year prison sentence by the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court. The sentencing, which took place on Friday, 16 February 2024, came after Botes was found guilty of an astounding 126 counts of theft.
Botes’ criminal activities came to light following meticulous investigations by the Hawks’ Rustenburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit. Between the years 2014 and 2019, while employed at a prominent local mine, Botes exploited her position to illicitly funnel over R9 million from her employer’s funds into her personal bank accounts, a breach of trust that has had far-reaching implications.

The case against Botes gained momentum on 13 June 2022, when the Hawks successfully obtained and executed a warrant for her arrest. Despite being released on R30,000 bail following her initial court appearance, Botes faced a series of legal battles leading up to her conviction and subsequent sentencing.

Lieutenant colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, a spokesperson for the police, highlighted the complexity of the case and the determination of the investigative team in bringing Botes to justice. Major general Patrick Mbotho, the head of the North West Hawks, commended the investigation and prosecution team for their exceptional work.