A married couple accused of defrauding the UIF of more than R358 000 in Covid-19 Temporary Employee/Employer Relief Scheme (TERS) funds appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 6.

Alinah Machobane (35) and her husband, Vusimuzi Machobane (46), were arrested by members of the Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation on Thursday.

The couple, who are directors of Klerksdorp Youth Club, allegedly applied for UIF Covid-19 TERS benefits on behalf of their employees for the period between March 27, 2020 and April 30, 2021.

According to the police, the application was approved and the couple received more than R358 000.

However, an investigation by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation revealed that the couple had allegedly claimed benefits for 16 people who were not employees of the company.

The Machobanes were subsequently arrested and charged with fraud.

They appeared in court and were each granted R5 000 bail.

Their case was postponed to August 14 for their first appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Klerksdorp.

Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the investigation into commercial crimes remains important in ensuring that funds intended for legitimate beneficiaries are not misappropriated.