A woman accused of defrauding the Emfuleni Local Municipality of more than R424 000 has been denied bail, as authorities move ahead with a fraud case that has become entangled in public speculation surrounding the murder of the municipal official who first uncovered the alleged irregularities.
Janitha van Reenen Coetzee, 25, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court, where her bail application was dismissed after the State argued that she posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.
The case stems from allegations that van Reenen Coetzee posed as an independent agent who offered residents assistance with obtaining discounts on outstanding municipal accounts. Victims allegedly handed over money intended for municipal payments, but the funds were never paid to the municipality.
She is further accused of submitting claims linked to municipal accounts, resulting in approximately R424 000 being paid into her account instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries.
According to NPA Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the alleged fraud was uncovered by the late Martha Mani Rantsofu, a financial officer at Emfuleni Local Municipality.
