Former mine employee in court over R10 million fraud allegations
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – The long-running investigation into a multi-million-rand fraud scheme at a Rustenburg mining company is edging closer to trial following the latest appearance of one of the accused in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court.
Alicia Gwyntahon (Gwynnie) Cunningham (34), a former employee of Sitona Mining, stands accused of participating in the alleged theft of more than R10 million from the company’s accounts over several years. The alleged crimes were committed between 2014 and 2019, while Cunningham was employed in the firm’s accounting division.
Background to the Case
The investigation began in 2019 after financial irregularities were uncovered at Sitona Mining. According to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, two employees — Cunningham and her colleague Dinah Dorothea Botes (42) — were linked to fraudulent transactions that resulted in massive financial losses to the company. Both women were arrested in June 2022 following an intensive investigation.
Co-Accused Already Serving Time
Botes, who was charged separately, has already been convicted. In February 2024, she was found guilty on 126 counts of theft for stealing over R9.3 million from Sitona Mining during the same period. She is now serving a 15-year prison sentence following her conviction in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court.
Latest Court Appearance
Cunningham, who faces charges relating to theft, fraud, and the alleged diversion of company funds into personal accounts, returned to court.
Sivenathi Gunya, North West communications officer for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed to Platinum Weekly that the matter — State vs. Cunningham — has been postponed to 8 December 2025 for the court to schedule a trial date. Cunningham is currently out on R15,000 bail.
What Happens Next
Once the trial date is finalised, Cunningham will stand trial for her alleged role in the multi-year fraud. The State is expected to lead detailed evidence based on financial records, audit findings, and the earlier conviction of her co-accused.
