Authorities arrested Linda Melvin Buthelezi for attempting to fraudulently claim R6.1 million from the Road Accident Fund. The court postponed the case until April 8.
Key Points:
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Authorities arrested Linda Melvin Buthelezi for attempting to fraudulently claim R6.1 million from the Road Accident Fund.
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The court convicted Buthelezi for reckless and negligent driving.
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The case was postponed to April 8, 2025, for further legal proceedings.
Police arrested a 48-year-old man. He allegedly attempted to defraud the Road Accident Fund (RAF) of R6.1 million by filing a fraudulent claim for an accident he caused.
Suspect Arrested for Fraudulent Claim
The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) team in Pretoria detained Linda Melvin Buthelezi. The claim tied to a 2018 incident where Buthelezi caused the crash was under investigation.
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, Buthelezi, through his legal representative, submitted a claim that misrepresented the details of the crash. The Hawks allege that Buthelezi manipulated the facts of the incident. Specifically when he unlawfully overtook another vehicle and collided with oncoming traffic.
Conviction and Previous Legal Outcome
The Protea Glen Court in Soweto previously convicted Buthelezi for reckless and negligent driving. The court fined him and handed him a three-year suspended sentence.
“Despite the legal ruling, Buthelezi continued to misrepresent himself in the RAF claim. He falsely portrayed himself as a victim instead of acknowledging his role in causing the accident,” Ramovha said.
Case Postponed for Further Proceedings
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court heard the case on March 24, 2025, and postponed it until April 8 for further proceedings.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of Hawks in Gauteng, emphasized the importance of the arrest in the fight against fraudulent claims.
“This case underscores law enforcement’s dedication to ensuring accountability and preventing fraudulent claims. This is because it deplete resources meant to help genuine road accident victims,” Kadwa said.
“Fraudulent claims not only undermine public institutions’ integrity but also divert critical funds away from those who truly need assistance. We commend the investigator for their diligent efforts and commitment to justice.”
