More farmers arrested for false claims saga

LIMPOPO -Three more farmers from Nwanedi near Musina were arrested and appeared before the Polokwane Special Commercial Crimes Court on April 13 facing charges of fraud amounting R2 million from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Thomas Sodiki (54), Mafa Abraham Setlamela (59) and Ntuseni Benedict Nesane (46) now join a list of accused who were initially arrested in January, including Reuben Tshilandi (72), Barendt Marthinus Vorster (49), Koekie Johanna Scholtz (40) Frans Mudau (68) and the departmental officials of chief director Lesetja Marks Kola (49), director Makopoi Nkopane (46) and assistant director Segwane Lewin Matlakala (63).

WO Lethunya Mmuroa, the spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo confirmed that between 2013 and 2014, the Department of Agriculture was engaged to assist with funds after small scale farmers in Vhembe were affected by flooding.

“The department set aside a budget to reimburse the affected farmers in order for them to repair the damage on their farms. After submitting invoices for claims, farmers were reimbursed, but some had colluded with officials in the department to submit fraudulent claims or invoices.”

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Mmuroa said the claims were paid without having been verified. Fictitious names were added to the department’s payroll as subcontractors and would be paid without following due processes.

After the monies were paid over, it would then be transferred to the accounts of these fictitious employees, who would then withdraw cash and in turn compensate officials.

The case was postponed to June 30, while investigations continue.

Previously, the former President of the African Farmers Association, Tshianeo Mathidi warned departmental officials to refrain from approaching desperate farmers for their own corrupt activities.