Phuthaditjhaba, Free State: A 38-year-old woman, Ntsebeng Marygold Moji, is facing serious legal consequences after appearing in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on charges of fraud and money laundering.
Moji is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that allegedly defrauded the Department of Employment and Labour of over R178,000 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Allegations: Ghost Employee Claims
According to Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial police spokesperson, Moji allegedly filed fraudulent unemployment relief claims on behalf of 16 individuals who were falsely listed as employees of her company.
“This was done at the height of COVID-19 when employers and workers turned to the Department of Employment and Labour for relief. Over R178,000 was paid into her business account. However, it later surfaced that none of the individuals appearing on her application worked for her,” said Mohobeleli.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Following an investigation by Serious Commercial Crime Investigation detectives from the Hawks in Bethlehem, a warrant for her arrest was issued.
- She was arrested on Tuesday and appeared in court the same day.
- The court granted her R5,000 bail.
- She is scheduled to appear in court again on March 7, 2025.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the alleged fraud, as South Africa cracks down on COVID-19 relief fund mismanagement and corruption.