Durban — A woman in her sixties is expected to appear in court again in November on fraud charges related to the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
Philisiwe Mthembu, 61, appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after her arrest by Hawks members from Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said that Mthembu allegedly lured the victim who was involved in a car accident. The victim was a minor during the accident and she allegedly assisted the victim to lodge a claim with the RAF. On September 2, 2014, Mthembu removed the victim from his guardian and resided with him. She assisted the victim by opening bank accounts and she kept the bank cards.
“When the RAF paid R619 971.97 to the victim, Mthembu used the victim’s money without his concern,” Mhlongo said.
“She bought two vehicles and built a house for herself. The victim managed to escape and reported the matter to the RAF and a case of fraud was reported at Point police station.”
Mhlongo said the case was handed to the Hawks members from Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for intensive investigation.
As a result, she was summoned to appear before the court on Wednesday, Mhlongo said.
“Mthembu was charged with fraud and the case was postponed to November 17, 2022.”
Daily News