The Oudtshoorn Regional Court has on 10 April 2024, sentenced Ricardo Bowckers, 47, to 26 years’ direct imprisonment and Desiree Bowckers, 47 was slapped with seven years’ direct imprisonment.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato, has welcomed the sentencing that was handed down to Ricardo Bowckers and Desiree Bowckers, for fraud and money laundering.
The court has on 15 March 2024 found Ricardo guilty on 13 counts of fraud and nine counts of money laundering whereas Desiree was found guilty on five counts of fraud and 12 counts of money laundering. During 2014, both accused were arrested and charged for fraud. “They were released on bail which was revoked and they were remanded in custody awaiting their sentencing,” Police reported. “This follows after allegations that both accused applied for several insurance policies between March and May 2014 with the intention of enriching themselves.”
The investigation by the George-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team revealed that they submitted fraudulent claims and the proceeds were paid into their bank accounts. An estimated payout of R50 000.00 was allegedly received by the accused.
Cece Smith 
Bongi Sikelo 