Former FNB branch administrator sentenced to six years in jail for theft from elderly client

THE Ggeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced a former bank employee to an effective six years’ imprisonment for two counts of theft.

- MERCURY CORRESPONDENT

The court's decision comes after 54-year-old Leonie Stella Stiemie, a former branch administrator at FNB Kirkwood, was found guilty of stealing over R800 000 from an elderly client, including R400 000 in cash and R420 000 from the client’s bank account.

Stiemie was sentenced to six years for each count, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. Additionally, the court has mandated that she repay First Rand Limited R270 000, she was declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court authorised the search and seizure of any firearms, ammunition, and relevant permits currently in her possession.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the case centres on 87-year-old Andries David Renken, a lifelong farmer from Kirkwood, who died during the protracted legal proceedings.