Two suspects have been sentenced by the Oudtshoorn Regional Court to a combined 33 years for fraud and money laundering on Wednesday, 10 April 2024, according to a recently released press statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The sentence was handed to Ricardo Bowckers and Desiree Bowckers, both aged 47, and was welcomed by Major General Mathipa Makgato, provincial head of the Hawks in the Western Cape.
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On 15 March 2024, the court found Ricardo guilty on 13 counts of fraud and 9 counts of money laundering, whereas Desiree was found guilty on 5 counts of fraud and 12 counts of money laundering.
Ricardo was sentenced to 26 years’ direct imprisonment, while Desiree received seven years’ direct imprisonment by the court.
In 2014, both Ricardo and Desiree were arrested and charged for fraud, and while they were released on bail, it was later revoked. The couple were remanded in custody as they awaited their sentencing.
This was following allegations that both suspects applied for several insurance policies between March and May 2014, with the ‘intention of enriching themselves’.
An investigation by the George-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team brought to light that Ricardo and Desiree had revealed that they ‘submitted fraudulent claims’, with the proceeds being paid into their bank accounts.
Allegedly, an estimated payment of R50 000 was received by the accused.
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