Written by
Mahira Duval
The case dates back to February 2020, when Rud’rees, who worked as a risk coach at the company, exploited his access to computer systems. Using his position, he manipulated customer accounts, transferring funds into accounts created by him and linked to his then-girlfriend and her brother. He primarily funneled the stolen money into online casino accounts.
According to Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani, Rud’rees misappropriated an estimated total of R4,203,585. After a lengthy investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation team, he was summoned to court in December of the previous year.
Rud’rees was found guilty on a range of charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison for fraud, with four years suspended for five years. He received an additional eight-year sentence for violations of the Cyber Crimes Act, with three years suspended. Another eight-year sentence was also imposed under the same law, and 10 years for money laundering, with four years suspended.
In total, Rud’rees was sentenced to 36 years in prison, though he will serve only six years, with the remainder of his sentences suspended. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
This conviction sends a strong message about the consequences of abusing positions of trust and engaging in cyber fraud and financial crimes.
