GQEBERHA | HAWKS ARREST FINANCIAL MANAGER FOR ALLEGED THEFT OF MILLIONS FROM TRUST FUND

The Gqeberha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks arrested Harold Gerald Henry (46) on 24 February 2023. 

His arrest follows the allegations of theft, interference with computer program, interference with computer storage system and fraud.

It is alleged that during the period between March 2019 and December 2021, Henry in his capacity as the financial manager of Strathmore Farm Trust, misappropriated funds of the trust. 

It further alleged that he transferred funds to his bank accounts, insurance companies for his personal investments and to his next of kin as well via internet banking. 

These transactions were purported to be payments of creditors and wages for employees in the farm.

READ | GQEBERHA | COMPANY DIRECTOR ARRESTED FOR TAX FRAUD AMOUNTING TO ALMOST R9 MILLION

His fraudulent activities were uncovered when the creditors and employees reported non-payment which resulted to internal auditing processes that reportedly unearthed fictitious invoices. 

Henry allegedly made attempts to destroy evidence by interfering with the computer data programming and storage system to avoid prosecution.

The matter was referred to the Hawks for further investigations which revealed that Henry prejudiced the trust funds to the value of more than R14 million during his period of employment. 

He was arrested on 24 February 2023 and made a short appearance in Addo Magistrate’s Court.           

The case against Henry was remanded to 3 March 2023 and referred to Kirkwood Magistrate’s Court for a formal bail application.

The Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya commended the team for the use of expert skills in the expeditious detection of the matter.

SAPS