Durban gambler jailed for R16 million fraud
An export controller in Durban has been slapped with a jail sentence in a multi-million-rand fraud case.
Prosecutors say she committed multiple offences to feed her gambling addiction.
Cindy Saunders pleaded guilty to 45 counts of fraud to the tune of R16 million this week in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The 37-year-old said she told companies she needed financing to buy shipping containers, and promised them profits in return when they are sold.
READ: Couple sentenced for defrauding KZN Blind and Deaf Society
NPA spokesperson in KZN Natasha Kara says the court took into consideration that Saunders had a gambling addiction and had sought counselling.
She was handed a nine year jail sentence.
"She admitted to having a gambling addiction and said that she decided to defraud her employer and another company SK Boyz (Pty) Ltd, to pay off her gambling debt. To this end, she enlisted the help of her co-accused, Terrance Gonasekharan Raju and his companies, South Continent Logistics and Troy Trans.
"Saunders said in her plea that at the time of the commission of the offences, she knew that her actions were fraudulent and solely for her personal financial gain and that of her co-accused."
