Kimberley Specialised Commercial Court convicted and sentenced 48-year-old Norman William Ellis on Friday 02 February 2024, for theft, fraud and corruption.
Between June and July 2018, the complainant placed an order to buy livestock from Ellis. A total amount of R87 500 was deposited into the bank account of the accused. Ellis purported to be a farmer dealing with livestock. He then failed to deliver the livestock and it was later established that he was actually a conman.
In another separate but related matter, Ellis, went to a dealership and made a deal to buy a bakkie opting to trade his current vehicle as a deposit. During the vehicle finance deal process, he borrowed an amount of R118 000 from the complainant. The loan was never settled as agreed upon and the complainant suffered an actual prejudice.
Ellis was found guilty and sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment on both cases respectively without any option of fine. Both sentences will run concurrently.
