The five suspects accused of stealing R5.6 million from the UIF COVID–19 Relief Fund in May this year appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes court on Monday 6 July 2020.
Tshepang Howard Phohole (25), Taetso Zulu (22), Tsietsi Godfrey Mojela (68), Itumeleng Charlene Maseko (39) and Tebogo Andries Nchimane Maseko (40). The sixth accused is a company, Dilsfinest Cafe (PTY) Ltd which is a juristic person represented by Tebogo Andries Nchimane Maseko.
The six were charged with 30 counts which include a count of fraud and or an alternative count of theft, as well as 28 counts of money laundering involving R5 688 377.60 of UIF Covid-19 relief fund which was allegedly stolen from the Department of Labour.
The arrest and appearance in court of the six suspects follows an intensive investigation into case which was registered at Brooklyn SAPS relating to the Unemployment Insurance COVID 19 relief fund. The suspects were traced and arrested at the various residences in Soshanguve, Atteridgeville and Mamelodi on Saturday morning.
Five vehicles including an Evoque were recovered from the scenes as well as other items suspected to have been bought with the monies which were not meant for the suspects. The suspects bail was set at R5000 each and their case was postponed to 7 September 2020.
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