Sentencing proceedings in the trial of self-confessed physiotherapist Abel Diokana accused of defrauding the Department of Labour’s (DoL) Compensation Fund (CF) of R949 175,11 were shelved in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today (June 28).
Magistrate Mariette Louw who presides over the matter and the accused (Diokana) did not show up in Court. Appearing in an alternative Court, Advocate Johan Crouse representing Diokana produced a medical certificate and told the Court that his client was admitted to hospital hence his non-appearance.
Diokana’s sentencing proceedings will now resume on August 23. He pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering in April.
Diokana was part of the so-called “Group of Seven”. In the matter he was appearing together with six other co-accused and former employees of the Department of Labour’s Compensation Fund - Maxwell Ramaphosa, Samuel Mfeleng, Kgabo Methi, Debbie Venter, Tendani Mukomafhedzi and Billy Ramskin. The accused faces four counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering.
Diokana’s six co-accused have not yet pleaded. The accused are out on a warning and are expected to appear in Court in August.
The physio is alleged to have been working as a member of a syndicate to defraud the DoL’s Compensation Fund. It is alleged that the six former employees of the DoL’s Compensation Fund recruited Diokana to submit fraudulent claims which they would later process and make out payments which were later shared by members of the syndicate.
The Compensation Fund is a public entity of the Department of Labour. The Fund provides cover for workers injured during work, illness and death sustained during occupation.
