A former accounting clerk at Curro East Lynne in Pretoria, 39-year-old Haranet Chunisa Ullow Loetries, has been released on bail following her arrest in connection with the alleged embezzlement of over R2.8 million from the private school. The accused made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where she was granted bail set at R15,000 under strict conditions.
According to the NPA, the alleged theft took place over an extended period, beginning in August 2024 and continuing through to July 2025. During this time, Loetries was employed by Curro East Lynne as an accounting clerk, a role that granted her access to the school’s financial systems.
The discrepancy was allegedly uncovered during a routine internal audit conducted by the institution. Once the irregularities were flagged, the school reportedly acted swiftly by opening a case with the police. This development led to Loetries voluntarily presenting herself to authorities on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, where she was formally arrested.
In court proceedings, the State did not object to Loetries’ bail application. Mahanjana elaborated that the prosecution had considered several factors in making this decision.
While she awaits her next court appearance, Loetries is required to adhere to strict reporting conditions. She must present herself at the Villieria Police Station twice a week—on Mondays and Fridays—between 6:00 and 20:00.
The gravity of the charges and the detailed bail restrictions suggest the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness by the authorities. As the investigation progresses, more details may surface regarding the alleged financial misappropriation and the internal controls in place at the time.
The case has now been postponed to 25 August 2025, when it is expected to be transferred to the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court. Legal analysts suggest the upcoming sessions may begin to outline the financial mechanisms allegedly used to divert the funds, as well as any institutional vulnerabilities that may have allowed the scheme to persist for nearly a year.
