WHITE RIVER – Clea Hattingh (43), a disbarred attorney accused of stealing more than R2 million from her clients, was released on R5,000 bail by the White River Magistrate’s Court today, 22 May.

Hattingh handed herself over to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Nelspruit earlier today following the issuance of a warrant for her arrest. She faces major charges regarding the theft of estate and trust funds entrusted to her by her former clients.

The court granted Hattingh bail under stringent conditions to ensure she stands trial. The legal requirements include:

• Document Forfeiture: Surrendering all travel documents to the investigating officer immediately.
• Witness Restrictions: Refraining from any form of contact with State witnesses.
• Police Reporting: Reporting exactly once a week to her nearest local police station.

The total financial loss suffered by the victims is currently estimated to exceed R2 million. Hattingh is scheduled to make her next legal appearance before the same court on 27 July.