Mahikeng – The alleged ring of fraudsters linked to the over R2 million fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims was unmasked when seven suspects appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The suspects are:
- 42-year-old Phure Daniel Matshogo,
- 42-year-old Zakaria Modise Mokgobi,
- 26-year-old Thato Moiloa,
- 58-year-old Motlapele Otto,
- 39-year-old Theophilus Mpheng,
- 36-year-old Tebogo Joseph Mosito and
- 41-year-old Vusi Makhubo
Six of the suspects were arrested on Saturday in connection with fraudulent payments made at the Department of Employment and Labour.
The Hawks said they expected to make more arrests. An eighth suspect was still at large the Hawks said.
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Allegations are that two of the suspects are former employees of the old Department of Employment and Labour in Mahikeng and Klerksdorp offices in the North West.
Four recruiting agents allegedly recruited unemployed individuals between 2019 and 2020 to participate in the fraudulent UIF claims.
The unsuspecting job applicants were then made to complete UIF claim forms as former employees of Impala Platinum Mine as well as Sibanye Ashanti Gold mine for unemployment benefits.
Those individuals were allegedly recruited under various false pretences.
Allegations are that some of the claimants were informed that they were being assisted to lodge claims from the Drought Relief Fund.
In other cases, they recruited persons who allegedly claimed money from UIF.
Investigations show that other gullible persons were allegedly informed that they would be employed at the South African Revenue Services or the Nomalalemba Project and other projects.
The claimants were allegedly each given R50 to open bank accounts; however, bank cards were kept by the suspects.
In addition, the claimants were allegedly made to complete UIF claim forms masquerading as former employees of the Impala Platinum mine and Sibanye Ashanti Gold mine.
The seven suspects face a collective 220 counts of theft, fraud, and money laundering amounting to more than R2 million.
The Molopo Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 14 June 2023, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, UIF Commissioner, Teboho Maruping said he welcomed the latest arrests and praised the investigators for their relentless efforts to bring an end to fraud and corruption at the fund.
“It would seem that criminals think the UIF is an easy target for fraud and corruption when we are actually not,” said Maruping
“Our Risk and Anti-Fraud Unit will continue to monitor Labour Centres and in so doing work with law enforcement agencies to decisively deal with fraud and corruption committed by members of the public and government officials who enable it.
“Until the day arrives when the criminality towards the UIF stops, we will continue to catch and send perpetrators to prison.
“We will maintain our call to the National Prosecuting Authority to propose harsh sentences to the courts as a means of deterrence.”
Maruping said internal UIF investigations have led to several dismissals and suspensions of officials from Mahikeng and Klerksdorp Labour Centres, with some disciplinary matters still ongoing.
