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Two Sergeants from the SAPS, Thokozani Mchunu and Nqobile Mzimela, along with their co-accused, Siboniso Percival Khanyile, appeared in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday on charges of fraud, theft and money laundering amounting to R 692 000.
The matter relates to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) money that was allegedly fraudulently paid into a bank account registered in Mchunu’s name.
Mchunu and Mzimela are attached to the SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Durban.
A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Natasha Kara says on the 15th of April 2020, a Durban based company, National Adhesive Distributors CC, successfully applied to the COVID-19 relief fund for an amount of R 692 185.55 on behalf of its 150 employees.
Two months later, however, the UIF was alerted by the company that the funds had not reflected in their bank account. It was discovered that the funds went into Sergeant Mchunu's bank account.
She says after receiving the funds, Mchunu allegedly transferred portions of the money into other bank accounts held by himself, various Stokvel accounts and bank accounts belonging to his co-accused.
All three accused will remain in custody until their next appearance on the 31st of August where they are expected to apply for bail.
The case has also been transferred to the Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.
