R10 Million Mine Fraud Case Pushed to May 2026

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – The fraud case involving a former Rustenburg mine employee accused of stealing millions of rands has been postponed once more, with the matter previously set for 8 December 2025 now rescheduled to proceed to trial in May 2026.

Sivenathi Gunya, North West communications officer for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed to Platinum Weekly that the case — State vs. Cunningham — has been postponed to 25 May 2026 for trial.

The accused, Alicia Gwyntahon “Gwynnie” Cunningham (34), a former employee of Sitona Mining, faces charges linked to the alleged theft of more than R10 million from the company over a number of years. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2014 and 2019, while Cunningham worked in the mining company’s accounting division.

BACKGROUND TO THE CASE
The investigation into the alleged fraud began in 2019 after financial discrepancies were detected at Sitona Mining. According to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, Cunningham and a colleague, Dinah Dorothea Botes (42), were implicated in a scheme involving fraudulent transactions and the diversion of company funds. Both women were arrested in June 2022 following an extensive investigation into the missing funds.

CO-ACCUSED ALREADY CONVICTED
Botes, who was charged separately, has already been sentenced. In February 2024, she was convicted on 126 counts of theft involving more than R9.3 million and received a 15-year prison sentence in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court.

WHAT LIES AHEAD
Cunningham remains out on R15,000 bail as the State prepares for trial. Prosecutors are expected to rely on detailed financial records, audit evidence, and the outcome of the related case when proceedings eventually get under way.