Catherine Wilheminah Papenfus (54), a disbarred attorney and conveyancer, appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 14 August 2025, following her arrest on 09 August 2025 in Hermanus, Cape Town. She faces charges of theft and fraud related to the misappropriation of client funds intended for property purchases.
According to allegations, between September 2010 and July 2013, Papenfus received instructions from clients seeking legal assistance for property transactions. The clients deposited money into her law firm’s trust account, but she allegedly failed to transfer the funds to the property sellers or refund the clients. When the victims could no longer locate her, they filed complaints with the Fidelity Fund, which subsequently reimbursed them. As a result of the misconduct, Papenfus was struck off the roll of attorneys.
After an extensive search, Papenfus was traced and arrested in Hermanus. During her court appearance, she was granted bail of R10,000, and the case was postponed to 16 September 2025 for further proceedings.
