A group of six former employees of the Department of Labour’s (DoL) Compensation Fund (CF) alleged to have defrauded the department are to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (May 7).
The alleged fraud accused - Maxwell Ramaphosa, Samuel Mfeleng, Kgabo Methi, Debbie Venter, Tendani Mukomafhedzi and Billy Ramskin - faces four counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering amounting to R949 175,11. The accused are out on a warning and are yet to plead.
The sextet were until recently appearing in the matter as part of what was known as a “group of seven” including a physiotherapist Abel Diokana. On April 9 during their appearance Diokana through his legal representative Advocate Johan Crouse requested a separation of trial and his matter was postponed to April 26.
During the said day (April 26), Diokana pleaded guilty for committing fraud against the Department of Labour and is due to appear in Court next month while the Asset Forfeiture Unit conducts an inquiry into his assets.
The accused are alleged to have been working as a syndicate to defraud the DoL’s Compensation Fund. It is alleged that the six former employees of the DoL’s CF , recruited fraudster 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 under the authority of the Department of Labour. The Fund provides cover for workers injured during work, illness and death sustained during course of work.
Enquiries:
Page Boikanyo
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 809 3195
