Woman Jailed 10 Years For Stealing More Than R94,000 From Elderly Couple Through Online Banking Scam

A 38-year-old woman has been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment after admitting to defrauding an elderly Western Cape couple of more than R94,000 through a sophisticated online banking scheme.

Abigail Jooste, from Firgrove in Somerset West, was sentenced in the Plettenberg Bay Regional Court after pleading guilty to dozens of fraud and money laundering charges.

The court convicted her on 94 counts of fraud and 30 counts of money laundering following a guilty plea in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Online Banking Fraud Cost Elderly Couple More Than R94,000

The online banking fraud began in 2018 when Jooste allegedly contacted Mrs M le Roux of De Rust by telephone and convinced her to activate internet banking services.

According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, Jooste used the opportunity to open three savings accounts in Mrs Le Roux’s name without her knowledge or permission.

“In her statement of guilt, Jooste wrote that during 2018, she telephonically contacted Mrs M le Roux of De Rust, Western Cape, who was a holder of a credit card with one of the banks of South Africa. She tricked (Le Roux) into setting up an internet banking facility through which (Jooste) fraudulently opened three savings accounts in Mrs Le Roux’s name with the same bank, without her knowledge or consent.”

Between October 2 and October 12, 2018, Jooste transferred R56,000 from Mrs Le Roux’s Money Market Account into the fraudulently created accounts.

Fraudster Gained Access To Husband’s Bank Accounts

After earning Mrs Le Roux’s trust, Jooste was introduced to her husband and used a similar method to gain access to his banking information.

Ntabazalila said she persuaded Mr Le Roux to set up internet banking before obtaining access to several of his accounts.

Using the online banking facilities she had established, Jooste carried out multiple transactions and transfers without the couple’s knowledge or consent.

The fraudulent purchases involved businesses including Easy Swift LSD, E-Gift Solutions, Mr D, Subella, Tessa’s Bakery and Loot.

“She also made several fraudulent cash send transactions to cell numbers registered in her name and linked to the savings in her name. The cash amounts were then withdrawn at ATMs in Somerset West, Goodwood, and Cape Town. She also made online airtime purchases for herself.”

Court Says Jail Must Protect Vulnerable Victims

The court heard that the couple suffered losses amounting to R94,374 as a result of the scheme.

In her plea, Jooste acknowledged that she knew her actions were unlawful and that they amounted to criminal offences.

During sentencing, prosecutor Adv Willem Vister argued that the victims were elderly and particularly vulnerable, making the crimes especially serious.

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“Although the accused was a first-time offender and pleaded guilty, these factors were outweighed by the seriousness, scale, and calculated nature of the offences. The interests of society required a sentence that would punish the conduct, protect vulnerable individuals, and serve as a clear deterrent,” said Ntabazalila.

The court consolidated all charges and imposed an effective 10-year prison sentence. Jooste was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act.

The NPA welcomed the outcome, saying the sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of abusing electronic banking systems and targeting vulnerable members of society.