Key Points
- A man attempted to fraudulently claim R6.1 million from the RAF.
- Buthelezi misrepresented the circumstances of a 2018 accident.
- The Hawks’ investigation underscores law enforcement’s commitment to combat fraud.
Authorities arrested a 48-year-old man in Pretoria for trying to fraudulently claim R6.1 million from the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
Linda Melvin Buthelezi faces charges after submitting false information about a 2018 accident he caused.
The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, known as the Hawks, apprehended him, sending a clear message about the crackdown on fraudulent claims that deplete resources intended for genuine victims.
Manipulating accident details to claim compensation
Buthelezi tried to claim compensation from the RAF based on a 2018 accident where he was at fault. He used a legal representative to submit a claim filled with false details.
The Hawks claim Buthelezi manipulated the facts, including misrepresenting the crash as if he were the victim, instead of the person responsible for the crash.
The fraudulent claim centered on a collision he caused while illegally overtaking another vehicle, leading to oncoming traffic.
The legal consequences and earlier conviction
Buthelezi had already faced legal consequences for his actions. The Protea Glen Court in Soweto convicted him for reckless and negligent driving after the 2018 accident.
The court fined him and handed down a three-year suspended sentence. Despite the legal outcome, Buthelezi chose to submit the fraudulent claim, aiming to mislead the RAF and present himself as a victim.
The Hawks’ spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, pointed out that his actions undermined public trust and diverted much-needed funds away from legitimate claimants.
Law enforcement’s commitment to combating fraud
The Hawks’ arrest emphasizes law enforcement’s commitment to preventing fraud. Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, explained that fraudulent claims not only strain resources but also erode the public’s trust in institutions.
He praised the investigators for their dedication to ensuring justice was served and reaffirmed the importance of holding those accountable for diverting funds meant for genuine accident victims.
Buthelezi’s case appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on March 24, 2025. The case was postponed to April 8, 2025, for further legal proceedings.
