Dr Adams fails in his bid to have alleged fraud charges dropped for defrauding Department of Labour CF
Dr David Michael Adams (41) alleged to have defrauded the Department of Labour’s Compensation Fund (CF) of R396 660-00 failed in his application in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court today to have his charges dropped.
Dr Adams had applied to have charges dropped following the “unbecoming” conduct of one of witnesses during his appearance last month, in which he demanded to be paid to testify. The defence applied for the case to be discharged as they felt the witness could no longer be trusted as credible.
The accused is facing 29 counts of contravening Section 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, and 29 counts of theft. Dr Adams pleaded not guilty in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in September 2016.
He is alleged to have received unlawful payments from the Compensation Fund, and was arrested in 2010. During his arrest Dr Adams was running his practice in the North West. He is out on a warning.
The Court in its verdict said there was no obligation on its part to discharge the case as the credibility of the witness does not supersede evidence. The Court reiterated that it acted on sound judgment and on prima facie evidence it had on its disposal not to set aside the charges.
The trial is expected to continue on 21 February 2017.
The Compensation Fund is a public entity under the administration of Department of Labour. The CF provides cover to workers injured and/or who contract diseases at work.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Acting Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 808 2168
