An Eastern Cape administration officer has been convicted of defrauding the Coega Development Corporation to the tune of R6.6 million.

On Wednesday, the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted Bathandwa Matikinca, 37, of fraud and money laundering.

He was employed as an administration and learner support officer at the Coega Development Corporation, Hawks spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said.

The court heard that between March 2013 and February 2021, Matikinca used the details of those who had left training programmes and substituted their banking details with his own. He received their stipends in various bank accounts.

"After further investigation, it was discovered that the accused also paid funds into his wife's bank account," Mgolodela said.

The Hawks investigation found that the Coega Development Corporation suffered losses of more than R6.6-million.

Matikinca was arrested on 26 May last year.

He is expected to appear in court again for his sentencing on 9 May.