NOORDWESTER - ZEERUST - The Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Mmabatho has sentenced Gaananngwe Shadrack Kgosiemang (58) to direct imprisonment for eleven counts of theft.
The court ordered that all counts be taken as one for sentencing. Kgosiemang was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment, with five years suspended for five years, effectively serving five years behind bars. The charges stem from his tenure as Bank Manager at Motswedi Village Bank, near Zeerust. His responsibilities included promoting the bank and its products, as well as providing regular business reports to the Board of Directors.
The court heard that he misrepresented financial transactions by approaching a co-signatory under false pretences, fraudulently drawing cheques that he claimed were for the benefit of clients.
Investigations revealed that between 30 October 2018 and 3 May 2019, Kgosiemang transferred funds from the bank’s business account to his account without authorisation, stealing over R500 000. He was arrested on 29 March 2023 and later released on R5 000 bail.
In court, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. During sentencing, State Advocate Matshidiso Ramakgaphola presented a Victim Impact Statement from Motswedi Village Bank, highlighting the severe consequences of the crime. She informed the court that due to Kgosiemang’s actions, the bank had to be placed under judicial management.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, expressed hope that it would serve as a deterrent to others. She reaffirmed the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating commercial crime.
