Special needs boss held over fraud

THE Hawks arrested a Paarl woman yesterday on fraud and money laundering charges.

Paarl resident MandaMarie Spangenberg, 32, was taken into custody after a lengthy investigation by the Hawks. She is alleged to have committed fraud during her time as director of a special needs academy based in Paarl, said Hawks spokesperson Lloyd Ramovha.

“The accused is alleged to have unlawfully embezzled funds of the academy for her own personal gain. Between December 2013 and November 2014, she had full signing rights on the academy’s accounts, and intentionally and fraudulently diverted funds to her own,” said Ramovha.

The accused allegedly disguised records, making it look as if she had settled outstanding accounts of creditors. An amount of R300 000 is involved. Spangenberg has been released with an order to appear on June 14 at the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court.

In another matter, Brett James, 27, appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with fraudulently acquiring two bank-financed vehicles valued at just under R1 million during August 2013.

“The accused is alleged to have unlawfully handed in false documentation to obtain finance from a bank at a local vehicle dealership in Bellville. A BMW and Renault with a combined value of just over R700 000 were approved,” said Ramovha.

One vehicle was subsequently recovered by the bank after the accused went on the run. He is out on R3 000 bail and is expected to appear at the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court on June 15.