A 42-year-old woman arrested in connection with an alleged R10.5 million payroll fraud at Isuzu Motors South Africa in Struandale, Gqeberha, has been granted bail.
The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks in Gqeberha arrested Natasja Slabbert in connection with the alleged payroll fraud. She made her first court appearance on Monday and was granted bail of R5 000.
Slabbert was employed as a payroll administrator at the company and was arrested on 16 February 2026 following a thorough investigation conducted by the Hawks, working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU).
“The case originated in 2024 after employees raised concerns when they noticed that their take-home pay was lower than expected, despite higher amounts reflecting on their pay slips. An internal review uncovered serious payroll irregularities, and the matter was subsequently referred to the Hawks for further investigation,” said the Hawks in a statement.
During the probe conducted by the Hawks, it is alleged that in August 2024, approximately R626 500 was apparently unlawfully transferred from the company’s payroll account into the suspect’s personal bank account.
“Further investigation allegedly revealed a well-planned scheme in which payroll records were manipulated and false entries created to conceal unlawful payments. These entries were allegedly made to appear as legitimate deductions and contributions,” the Hawks said.
As a result of the alleged fraud, the company reportedly suffered losses exceeding R10.5 million.
The Hawks adopted an intelligence-driven approach and secured evidence to uncover the full extent of the alleged crime before effecting the arrest.
The matter was postponed to 24 February 2026, and Slabbert is expected to appear before the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for legal representation.
“Commercial crime is not a victimless crime. It affects workers, damages businesses and harms our economy, further stated that people who abuse positions of trust to steal money will face the full force of the law,” said the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya. – SAnews.gov.za
