EASTERN CAPE – Heinrich Presensie (36) was yesterday, 31 August 2021 sentenced by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court for charges of numerous counts of fraud and money laundering. He was given a 36-month correctional supervision and was instructed to pay back R503 132 to the bank.
Between August 2016 and February 2017, thirteen loans worth R1.5 million were taken out from Capitec Bank in Graaf Reinet. Ashley Le Roux (36) who is an alleged accomplice to Presensie was allegedly responsible for the manufacturing of false documents that were used to obtain the loans.
Huge loans were processed for each client and the duo would take a commission for each loan processed. It was later discovered that the accused received huge percentage than their clients. Most of the clients were not aware of the fraudulent process.
Banks received complaints from clients who had received huge bank loan statements for money they did not receive. The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Gqeberha for further handling which led to the subsequent arrest of the accused on 12 February 2019. They appeared in court and were released on warning.
On 9 June 2021, Presensie pleaded guilty to all charges whereas Le Roux opted to go for trial. Presensie further received a five year suspended sentence. Le Roux’s matter was postponed to 8 September 2021 for a trial date.
