Zimbabwean lawyer Precious Muleya has appeared in the KuGompo Magistrates’ Court in the Eastern Cape in connection with allegations of fraud and theft involving Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims worth about R5.2 million.
Muleya, who practised under the name Precious Muleya Attorneys, faces a charge of fraud, alternatively theft, relating to claims allegedly submitted on behalf of road accident victims.
The National Prosecuting Authority said on Monday that Muleya allegedly submitted RAF claims involving at least 12 beneficiaries.
According to the NPA, investigations by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation found that the RAF allegedly paid amounts ranging from R150,000 to R947,000 between August 2019 and February 2021 based on information that was allegedly false and used to inflate the value of claims.
The investigation further alleges that some of the claimants were never examined or treated by the medical and professional practitioners whose invoices and medico-legal reports were submitted in support of the claims.
The NPA alleges that some of the reports and invoices were forged and used to persuade the RAF to make payments to which the claimants were allegedly not entitled.
The Hawks have separately said their broader investigation involves RAF claims submitted through Muleya’s legal practice on behalf of about 28 people who were involved in road accidents.
The Hawks allege that some claims contained material misrepresentations that inflated the compensation amounts. They further allege that, in some instances, compensation funds were paid but were allegedly retained and appropriated instead of being transferred to the beneficiaries.
The Hawks said the investigation has so far identified more than R5.2 million in actual financial prejudice, while the potential financial prejudice in the broader matter is estimated at more than R20 million.
Muleya was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 30 September after allegedly being wanted in connection with the investigation. She first appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court before the matter was transferred to the Eastern Cape.
The NPA has indicated that it will oppose bail. Her matter was postponed to 9 October for a formal bail application.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Muleya remains presumed innocent unless and until found guilty.
