FROM THE COURTS: A 69-year-old attorney has appeared in court for allegedly stealing R130 000 from a deceased client’s estate.

Barend Botha appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, facing charges of theft after he was arrested on the same day by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.

It is alleged that in June 2016, Botha, de Wet and Roodt law firm was appointed to assist with the estate of their deceased client. 

Over R130 000 was allegedly transferred from the deceased’s bank account into the trust account of the law firm, but Botha allgedly did not transfer the money to the beneficiary.

Botha was granted R5000 bail and the  matter was postponed to 30 September 2026 for an appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Klerksdorp.