She was arrested by the Hawks last September and charged with fraud and theft after a complaint was made by one of Mmela’s former clients.

According to reports, Mmela was appointed to claim from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) by the mother of a child who was seriously injured in an accident.

Her firm, Mmela Associates Inc, based in Middelburg, successfully submitted a claim with the RAF, resulting in a payment of R1.8 million into a trust account belonging to the accused on May 18, 2021.

The Hawks allege that the attorney created a false reference to make it seem as if the money had been paid to the complainant.

The victim’s mother was informed that the RAF money had been paid out, and upon enquiring with Mmela, she promised to investigate the matter.

Following a subsequent complaint, it was revealed that the money had been paid into the trust account but was later transferred to another account.

The case was postponed to September 19 for a pre-trial and trial date.