File photo: Independent Media File photo: Independent Media
Cape Town - The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has dismissed a top official for alleged fraud.
Cansa confirmed on Tuesday that the accountant was axed last month.
The organisation’s attorneys are doing a full forensic investigation into the matter and will be handing over a statement to the police’s Commercial Fraud Unit by next week, Cansa spokeswoman Lucy Balona said.
“In January 2015, a Cansa employee was discharged due to fraud. Cansa was alerted by a member of the community who had concerns about the ‘extravagant lifestyle’ image the employee portrayed. The finance team investigated and discovered that the employee had gained access to funds which was confirmed by the bank. The employee was charged and admitted guilt, and gave their co-operation. However, charges were laid against the employee.”
Steps were being taken to recover the money, she said.
Cansa’s chief financial officer, Rudolf van Jaarsveld, said the association regularly conducted audits.
“This situation was not picked up by our usual checks. We have since upgraded our audits and implemented more stringent measures. Cansa aims to promote honest work ethics and sadly, in this case, the current negative economy gives rise to people not being honest,” he said.
Dorothy du Plooy, executive manager for Cansa’s southern business unit, said:
“She was employed since 2012 and now faces charges related to fraudulent transactions of funds. We have attached her pension with the aim of recuperating some of the money. She was promoted to her managerial role four months ago.”
Du Plooy could not divulge the exact sum, but it is believed the funds amount to hundreds of thousands.
Cape Times