Media Statement
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks)

WESTERN CAPE - The Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court have convicted Bernard Gutman, aged 56, on 25 January 2024.

It is alleged that the accused was appointed by the Master of the High Court as an insolvency practitioner to deal with the administration of various insolvent estates.  It is alleged that the accused misappropriated funds on various estates that were under his control to the value of R5 448 762 .20 between 2001 and 2005.

The Bellville based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks took the matter upon themselves. After thorough investigation and several court appearances the accused was, on 25 January 2024, found guilty on 29 counts of fraud, one count of money laundering in terms of Section 4 of  POCA and acquitted on four counts of fraud.

The matter is remanded to 27 February 2024 for sentencing.

Ends

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Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi
071 481 2534

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