- Sentencing of Former FNB Employee for Theft: Leonie Stella Stiemie, a 54-year-old former bank administrator, received a six-year prison sentence for theft from an elderly client, with sentences on two counts running concurrently.
- Court Orders Restitution and Weapon Ban: Stiemie is mandated to repay R270,000 to First Rand Limited, and she has been declared unfit to own a firearm, with authorities authorized to seize any weapons and permits she may possess.
- Details of the Theft and Fraudulent Activities: Stiemie stole a total of R820,000, including R400,000 in cash and R420,000 from the bank account of 87-year-old farmer Andries David Renken, who later died during the trial.
- Deception and Repeated Lies by the Accused: Despite being entrusted with the funds over several years, Stiemie falsely claimed to have invested the money, fabricated a robbery story, and only partially repaid the stolen funds, with a forged deposit slip corroborating her guilt.
The Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced 54-year-old Leonie Stella Stiemie, a former FNB branch administrator in Kirkwood, to an effective six years in prison for stealing from an elderly client. She was handed six years on each of two theft counts, with the terms running concurrently.
The court also ordered her to repay First Rand Limited R270 000, declared her unfit to own a firearm, and authorised a search and seizure of any weapons and permits in her possession.
Stiemie was convicted of stealing R400 000 in cash entrusted to her in a Deeds Box and a further R420 000 from the bank account of 87-year-old farmer Andries David Renken. Renken died during the drawn-out trial, which faced delays including the death of a handwriting expert and the original prosecutor.
Between 2011 and 2015, Renken trusted Stiemie with his money but never received custody documents or keys. When he later enquired, she falsely claimed to have invested half the funds and even told him a robbery had occurred, before admitting she had taken the money. She offered to repay in instalments of R666, which he rejected, and only repaid R21 000. A forged deposit slip linked to her handwriting sealed the case.
Welcoming the outcome, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo praised Advocate Leigh-Anne Pillay-Selahle for her persistence, adding that the ruling shows justice prevails even in long-delayed cases.
