[imagesource: Wikimedia Commons]

A 29-year-old woman who worked as a manager for a service station in the Eastern Cape managed to swindle more than R700 000 from the business.

Anele Mqhathu appeared in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and was released on a warning after being arrested on charges of theft and fraud.

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team found her allegedly defrauding the service station over a three-year period, notes IOL.

In January 2021, the owner of a service station in Tsolo allegedly noticed a decrease in revenue on daily basis, according to provincial Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela.

The owner then decided to conduct an audit to trace the root cause, starting from January 2018 until August 2021:

“All these shortages are reported to have no clear paperwork or calculations from Manager Mqhathu.”

“The matter was reported to the Hawks which led to her resultant arrest.”

Mqhathu was released on warning with the matter adjourned to March 14 for copies of the docket.

Briefly notes that quite a few fellow Saffas were left annoyed on social media, with some commenting that she would be a perfect candidate for the ruling party:

Godfrey Goddy Mabunda wrote: “ANC Parliamentary material this one.”

Sanjay Maharaj said: “Please also confiscate her ANC membership card with immediate effect.”

Hombile TaHora Matiwane commented: “She must be given a solid membership into the ruling party where did she get such wisdom & experience for the post & executing this deed if guilty.”

Jolakazi Qengeba Joja posted: “Now she can apply for a better position in ANC, as she is having 3 years of experience in stealing.”

Ja, neh, the people on the ground learn from the best.

In fact, petrol station fraud is as rampant as the cadres hoarding money under their beds.