A 38-year-old woman from Somerset West has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after defrauding an elderly couple of over R94,000. Abigail Jooste, from Firgrove in Somerset West, was convicted on 94 counts of fraud and 30 counts of money laundering after she pleaded guilty under Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act on February 19, 2026.

Who is Abigail Jooste?

Abigail Jooste is a 38-year-old woman from Firgrove in Somerset West. She has been convicted of 94 counts of fraud and 30 counts of money laundering.

How did Jooste defraud the couple?

Abigail Jooste, from Firgrove in Somerset West, defrauded the couple of more than R94,000 over an extended period. 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 Mrs 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.

“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,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila.

Between October 2 and October 12, 2018, she transferred R56,000 from Mrs Le Roux's Money Market Account into the savings accounts she fraudulently opened in her name. After having gained Mrs Le Roux's trust, she was introduced to her husband, Mr Le Roux, and she also tricked him into setting up an internet banking facility with the same bank. She then gained access to Mr Le Roux's various bank accounts.

The specific project and organisation

The Plettenberg Bay Regional Court convicted Abigail Jooste on 94 counts of fraud and 30 counts of money laundering. The court consolidated all charges and sentenced her to an effective 10 years' direct imprisonment. The court also declared her unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Key Facts

  • 94 counts of fraud
  • 30 counts of money laundering
  • Sentence of 10 years imprisonment
  • Effective sentence of 10 years direct imprisonment
  • Unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000

How did Jooste's actions affect the elderly couple?

Abigail Jooste's actions caused significant financial hardship for the elderly couple. She conducted various online transactions and money transfers without their knowledge or consent, resulting in a total loss of R94,374.

The victims were elderly and particularly vulnerable, and Jooste's actions constituted a deliberate and repeated exploitation of their trust and financial security.

What does this mean for South Africans?

The sentence sent a strong message that fraud involving the abuse of electronic banking systems, particularly where vulnerable victims are targeted, will not be tolerated. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, saying it underscores the serious view taken by the courts in respect of such crimes.

Regional Tensions

There is no clear connection to Nigeria, but this case highlights the vulnerability of the elderly and the need for caution when dealing with online banking.

What happens next?

The court's sentence will be enforced, and Abigail Jooste will serve her 10-year prison term. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of fraud and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.