Social media is still abuzz with content about the socialite who was arrested for allegedly defrauding a top auditing firm.
KPMG bursary specialist, Fidelis Moema, was arrested by the Hawks and appeared in court for fraud, theft and money laundering. The case has been postponed to April 9, 2024 for a formal bail application.
Handed himself over to Hawks
Moema appeared at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. This after he handed himself over to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation team in Johannesburg.
According to a statement from the SAPS, Moema is accused of misdirecting funds intended for bursary recipients between 2021 and 2022.
“Instead of paying university fees on behalf of students, the accused would pay the money into the bank accounts belonging to friends and individuals who own companies. The money would then be paid back into his personal bank account,” police said in a statement.
R16.5-million loss
As per the SAPS statement, Moema’s fraudulent actions led to the audit firm suffering a loss of R16.5-million.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that they arrested him on charges of theft, fraud and money laundering. It also confirmed the loss of R16.5-million, meant for bursary recipients.
Media reports quoted the Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela saying the accused, Fidelis Moema, was arrested on Tuesday. This after he handed himself over to Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation team.
The Hawks also confirmed allegations that the accused, who worked as a bursary specialist at KPMG, paid millions to companies linked to his friends. The money was meant to fund the studies of deserving students.
Miscredited funds between 2021 and 2022
Mavimbela said Moema allegedly miscredited funds between 2021 and 2022 from KPMG. The audit firm offers audit, tax, advisory services around the world to businesses, governments, public-sector agencies, and NGOs.
“The money would then be paid back to his personal bank account,” he said.
Furthermore, Mavimbela, revealed that the company has allegedly lost a lot of money owing to Moema’s actions.
The accused, Moema, made his first court appearance at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crime Court, on Tuesday.
- SAnews.gov.za
