A father and his two daughters have been released on R20,000 bail each after appearing in court on charges linked to the alleged defrauding of a lift and hoist company of millions of rand.
Nicole Robyn April, 35, a former bookkeeper at Lifttech Lift and Hoist Services, appeared alongside her sister, Kayla Catherine Amos, 31, and their father, Robert Gabriel Amos, 57, in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The trio is facing charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said the arrests were carried out by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit following the execution of a warrant of arrest. The alleged offences reportedly took place between 2019 and 2022 and were uncovered during an internal audit.
According to investigators, April had access to and control over the company’s bank accounts as part of her role as a bookkeeper. It is alleged she transferred approximately R5 million from the company’s account into her personal bank account and then moved portions of the funds to accounts held by her sister and father. Authorities believe the money was used for personal benefit.
Investigators further allege that April attempted to conceal the transfers by recording false descriptions in banking records. She is also accused of increasing her own salary without authorisation by about R138,000 over the period and fraudulently obtaining a petrol card.
As a result of the alleged actions, the company suffered losses estimated at R5 million. The court granted all three accused bail under strict conditions.
The case has been postponed to February 4, 2026, when the matter is scheduled to be heard at the Parow Regional Court.
