According to the NPA, more suspects are expected to appear in a Bloemfontein court today in connection with a UIF fraud and corruption scheme, reports Bloemfontein Courant.

“Additional suspects are expected to be added to the case and will appear in court on July 9,” said NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.

Senokoatsane revealed a syndicate was uncovered that allegedly recruited individuals and used their personal information to submit fraudulent UIF claims.

“These claims were registered using legitimate company names – without the knowledge of the companies involved – and were processed as if they were valid. The fraudulently obtained funds were then allegedly shared among recruiters, the implicated government official and, in some cases, the identity holders themselves,” he added.

With the Department of Labour having suffered a financial loss of over R1.5m, the accused face various charges including fraud, corruption and money laundering.

Sixteen suspects who appeared in court earlier this week were granted bail. All 16 appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday for their initial appearance. Bail was granted as follows: Kelopa Bethuel Mahlatsi – R10 000; Kamoho Letuka – R3 000; Bongani Radebe – R2 000; and the remaining 13 accused – R1 000 each, Mojalefa added.

The case has been postponed to August 25 for further investigation.

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