Kimberley attorney accused of stealing millions from clients
A Kimberley attorney and conveyancer was arrested on charges of theft and fraud.
Image: File / AI / RON
KIMBERLEY attorney and conveyancer Leanne Sullaphen Macleod, 55, is expected to appear in the Serious Commercial Crime Court on November 28, following her arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on charges of theft, fraud and money laundering.
Northern Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the accused made a brief appearance before Kimberley Magistrate's Court on November 12.
"It is alleged that during 2021 and 2024, the accused, who is an admitted attorney and conveyancer practising in Kimberley, misappropriated the funds of clients kept in the trust. The funds are for a sole purpose and mandate of buying and selling houses on the clients' behalf. The accused failed to fulfil some clients’ mandates or refund them from the trust account," said Thebe.
He added that Macleod allegedly unlawfully and intentionally stole or misappropriated clients' funds for her use by transferring the money to her personal account.
"Various clients suffered a loss to the value of R4.6 million," he said.
Thebe added that Macleod was granted bail of R500 in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court.