A 42-year-old payroll administrator has been arrested in connection with an alleged R10.5 million fraud scheme at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
Natasja Slabbert was detained on Monday in Struandale, Gqeberha, by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit following an inquiry conducted in cooperation with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit.
The investigation began in 2024 after employees reported discrepancies between the amounts reflected on their payslips and their actual take-home pay. An internal review identified irregularities in payroll records, prompting the matter to be referred to law enforcement authorities.
According to investigators, approximately R626,500 was transferred from the company’s payroll account into the suspect’s personal bank account in August 2024. Authorities allege that payroll data was altered and fictitious entries were created to conceal unauthorised payments, which were made to appear as legitimate deductions.
The company’s total losses are estimated to exceed R10.5 million.
Slabbert appeared before the New Law Court Magistrate’s Court on 16 February 2026 and was granted bail of R5,000. The case was postponed to 24 February 2026, when she is expected to appear before the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The Hawks’ provincial leadership in the Eastern Cape said commercial crime has significant economic consequences and warned that individuals who abuse positions of trust will face prosecution.
Source: Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit and court proceedings in Gqeberha.
Image: file
