Cape Town Woman Sentenced to 5 Years Imprisonment for R1.6 Million Vehicle Finance Fraud

In a significant ruling underscoring the determination of South African courts to combat financial crimes, the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court handed down a 5-year sentence to Corrine Lambert, 53, for defrauding vehicle finance institutions.

The case, which concluded on July 30, 2024, found Lambert guilty of two counts of fraud, each pertaining to fraudulent vehicle finance applications amounting to R1.6 million. The fraudulent activity was initially discovered in October 2018, leading to charges being pressed against the accused.

Lambert's trial faced delays, a situation exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the matter struck off the roll in August 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic on court proceedings. With the accused failing to attend subsequent court dates, a warrant for her arrest was issued. After evading the authorities for some time, she was arrested in October 2023 and remained in custody until her sentencing.

The successful prosecution was a result of extensive investigations by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit. In a strategic move, Lambert opted to enter into a Section 105A plea agreement with the state, admitting to the two counts of fraud against her. This plea agreement, typically reached when an accused pleads guilty and is willing to cooperate with the investigation, may result in a reduced sentence.

Lambert received a direct imprisonment sentence of 5 years on each count of fraud, with the court ordering the sentences to run concurrently, meaning she will spend a total of 5 years behind bars. In addition to the prison sentence, Lambert has been declared unfit to possess a firearm – an ancillary repercussion that will persist even after her release.

The case of Corrine Lambert highlights the court's unwavering stance on financial crimes and the prolonged efforts by the judicial system to bring perpetrators to justice, despite delays and disruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances like the pandemic. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in fraudulent financial activities and the dedication of law enforcement agencies to uphold the law.