An Eastern Cape attorney and a government official, as well as her relative, have been arrested for alleged fraud relating to the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
The attorney, Olwethu Bambalele, 33, of Bambalele Attorneys, the department of justice and constitutional development official, Nomaputukezi Sonia Sibembe, 38, and her relative, Zodidi Sibembe, 46, appeared at the KwaBhaca magistrate’s court on Monday.
KwaBhaca is a small town, formerly known as Mount Frere, in the Eastern Cape.
They are accused of money-laundering, fraud, corruption, and extortion, among other offences.
Out on R5k bail each
The accused were released on R5 000 bail each, and the case was moved to the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on July 23.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reported that an elderly complainant asked the department for letters of executorship after her son, who had received compensation from the RAF prior to his death, passed away.
She received assistance from Sonia Sibembe, who allegedly suggested that she contact Bambalele because she needed legal representation due to the substantial amount involved.
She further allegedly advised the complainant not to divulge that the deceased had a minor child who was entitled to his estate’s benefits.
The attorney approached the Mthatha office of the Master of the High Court under the guise that the complainant was entitled to the letters of executorship, which were issued, and payments were made to the complainant.
Thousands paid to the attorney
“In the presence of the accused official, the attorney allegedly demanded R167 000, which she paid to the attorney’s account, and he paid R34 000 to the account of Zodidi Sibembe,” said Luxolo Tyali, the NPA’s regional spokesperson.
The attorney and his alleged accomplice further demanded a payment of R150 000, but before the complainant made the payment, a bank official blew the whistle and informed the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.
“The NPA prioritises the prosecution of crime types and criminals that disproportionately undermine South Africans’ safety, the country’s socio-economic wellbeing, and the rule of law,” Tyali said.
