In a verdict delivered on March 8, 2024, the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court handed down a sentence to Ramonia Naidu (46) for charges of fraud and corruption.
Naidu, while employed at Anchor Yeast company in Amanzimtoti between May 2017 and November 2018, colluded with a service provider supplying chemicals to the company, resulting in a fraudulent scheme that defrauded Anchor Yeast of over R2 million. Naidu’s modus operandi involved placing orders with the supplier and falsifying delivery notes to obtain payment for her own personal gain.
Upon discovery of irregularities, Anchor Yeast conducted an audit, uncovering Naidu’s fraudulent activities. Subsequently, a case of fraud and corruption was reported to the Amanzimtoti police station, and the Hawks members from Durban Serious Corruption Investigation were assigned to further investigate the matter.
Naidu was apprehended in April 2023 and appeared in court multiple times until her conviction in December of the same year. The court sentenced her to 8 years in prison for fraud, with 3 years suspended for 5 years on the condition of no further convictions related to theft or fraud during the suspension period. Additionally, Naidu received a 4-year prison term for corruption, to be served concurrently with her fraud sentence.