The Hawks spokesperson, Lynda Steyn, says he allegedly transferred the money out of the firm’s trust and investment account to several unknown beneficiaries.

Steyn says when he was confronted, he allegedly could not account for the transactions he made.

The case was reported at the DPCI’s Serious Commercial Investigation office, who made an arrest after the warrant of arrest was issued yesterday.

He made a brief appearance in the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on the same day.

He is remanded in custody and will reappear on 13 March 2020 in the same court.

The alleged fraud incidents allegedly happened between January and June last year. Ackerman will face up to 40 charges.

He is a partner in the Olivier & Ackerman law firm. He was admitted to the High Court as an attorney.

He practices mainly in the Free State.

OFM News previously reported Sebabatso Radebe, an attorney from the Free State, was charged for fraud after she pocketed R450 000 meant to go to a Road Accident Fund victim who had suffered injuries from a car accident.

Radebe claimed an amount of R800 000 from the Road Accident Fund, which was approved and paid to her trust account on 20 October 2016. On 21 November 2016, an amount of R180 000 was paid to the victim.

A further amount of R120 000 was paid to the victim in December 2016. A final payment of R50 000 later that month. She then never made any further pay-outs after.

The Specialised Commercial Court in Bethlehem found her guilty last year and fined her R1 000 or sentenced her to three months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.

OFM News