Cape Town, South Africa, Pastor Jailed for R3.5m Fraud in New Apostolic Church Congregation

A former pastor with the New Apostolic Church in Durbanville, Cape Town, was sentenced to eight years in prison on Monday. Craig Vernon Freeman appeared before magistrate Sabrina Sonnenberg at the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court, where he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Freeman pleaded guilty to deceiving two members of his congregation about a non-existent farm development project called Rhebokskloof, located near Paarl. He misled them into investing in the project, promising returns of between 28 and 38 percent. Richard Williams-Sims invested R3.35 million, and Deon Scritten R200,000, between July 2006 and January 2007.

Freeman’s defence attorney, William Booth, had suggested a fine and a suspended prison sentence or correctional supervision without incarceration. However, the magistrate found this lenient. Prosecutor Jannie Knipe argued that such an outcome would wrongly imply that prison sentences are reserved for violent crimes, not “white collar” crimes.

The magistrate agreed with the prosecutor and sentenced Freeman to eight years, with four years conditionally suspended for five years. As part of the suspended sentence, Freeman must repay both victims in full within five years of his release. If he fails to do so, the suspended sentence will become active.

The court emphasized the importance of accountability and honest dealing, reflecting the biblical theme of justice, mercy, and humble service found in Micah 6:8.

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