The Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court in the Vaal is set to rule on the bail application of a woman accused of defrauding the Emfuleni Local Municipality of more than R400 000.
This is Janitha van Reenen-Coetzee’s second attempt to secure bail. She was arrested two months ago following the murder of the municipality’s financial officer, Martha Rantsofu, who had flagged the alleged fraud.
Van Reenen-Coetzee is accused of misrepresenting herself as an independent agent who could assist residents in obtaining discounts on their outstanding municipal accounts.
Victims allegedly gave her money to make discounted payments to the municipality on their behalf, but the funds were allegedly never paid over.
Van Reenen-Coetzee maintains it is in the interest of justice that she be released on bail. The state opposes her release, arguing she is a flight risk and that her residential address could not be verified.
Van Reenen-Coetzee bail hearing postponed to Monday
