Former Delmas Primary School financial officer, Larrisa Vern, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following her conviction on multiple counts of fraud and money laundering. The Delmas Regional Court handed down the sentence after an extensive investigation uncovered that Vern embezzled nearly R2.8 million from the school over a short period.
According to the Hawks’ spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, Vern was employed as the financial officer at Delmas Primary School in December 2021 and began her duties in January 2022. Within two years, her fraudulent actions were discovered, thanks to a whistleblower who reported two suspicious bonus payments made to her personal bank account.
The case was promptly referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Unit, the Hawks Asset Forfeiture Unit, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). A detailed investigation revealed that Vern had manipulated the school’s financial systems to channel funds into four different bank accounts using misleading references. The money was later transferred into her own account, causing an actual financial loss of R2,792,912 to the school.
On 6 February 2024, a warrant was issued for her arrest, and she was apprehended three days later, on 9 February. During court proceedings, it was revealed that Vern was responsible for 94 counts of fraud and 555 counts of money laundering. She pleaded guilty to all charges on 21 May 2025.
The Delmas Regional Court sentenced her to 15 years’ imprisonment for fraud, with five years of the sentence suspended for five years—on condition that she does not commit any similar offenses during that period. Additionally, she received 10 years for money laundering. Both sentences will run concurrently, effectively putting her behind bars for two decades.
Vern is due back in court on 5 June 2025, where the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Unit is expected to present their case for seizing assets obtained through her criminal conduct. Authorities believe that stripping her of any gains acquired through the stolen funds is a critical next step.
Major General Nico Gerber, head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, praised the joint efforts of the investigation and prosecution teams, emphasizing that the law will no longer allow criminals to profit from their illegal deeds.
“Gone are the days where one could benefit from crime without consequence,” Gerber stated.
This case adds to a growing list of fraud and embezzlement cases involving school officials. In a similar incident in 2023, a Limpopo woman was arrested for allegedly stealing R1.5 million from Thabazimbi Christian School, where she was employed. The Hawks continue to crack down on financial misconduct in educational institutions across South Africa, stressing accountability and justice.
The Delmas case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of white-collar crime in public institutions, particularly those responsible for the welfare of learners and the management of public funds.