KEY POINTS
- Authorities say the suspect ran a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.
- Over R178,000 was allegedly stolen through fake employee claims.
- The accused is out on bail and due in court soon.
A 38-year-old woman has been charged with fraud and money laundering after allegedly defrauding the Department of Employment and Labour of nearly R178,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
Free State woman charged in COVID-19 relief fraud case
Ntsebeng Marygold Moji appeared in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court after an investigation revealed she had allegedly filed fraudulent claims for non-existent employees, according to Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Zweli Mohobeleli. Moji is accused of submitting unemployment insurance claims on behalf of 16 individuals who never worked for her business.
Police say over R178,000 was funneled into business account
The funds were deposited into her business account before authorities uncovered the scheme, Mohobeleli said.
“This was carried out during the peak of COVID-19, when employers and employees sought assistance from the Department of Employment and Labour,” he said.
According to Iol, following an extensive investigation, detectives from the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Bethlehem gathered evidence and presented it to the court. A warrant for Moji’s arrest was subsequently issued.
She was arrested on Tuesday and appeared in court the same day. She was granted R5,000 bail and is scheduled to return to court on March 7, 2025.
Authorities continue to crack down on fraudulent COVID-19 relief claims as part of efforts to combat financial crimes and protect public funds.
