A bitter dispute over unpaid funeral policy money between a client and the operator of the BFT Funeral Services in Bohlokong has led to the discovery of fraudulent acts. Probing by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), or Hawks, has revealed that Tebello Lancelot Mofokeng (50) operates illegally and is not registered with the regulatory body.
Lt Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson of the Hawks, said Mofokeng is charged with fraud after failing to pay benefits to a client and operating an illegal funeral scheme. The Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court postponed the case to 4 September on his appearance on Friday (25/08).
Mohobeleli said the discovery that Mofokeng’s funeral scheme was operating illegally came after an elderly woman from Bohlokong lodged a complaint with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), after failure to pay benefits. With a fraud charge instituted due to Mofokeng’s failure to pay the elderly woman, the Hawks have urged people whose monies were not paid to come forth with evidence.
“Charges against Mofokeng include fraud, theft, money laundering, and contravention of the FSCA Act 37 of 2002. A summons to appear in court was served on 25 July,” said Moholobeli.
“The accused failed to pay the funeral cover money, despite the premiums of the funeral cover taken being paid religiously between 2017 and 2022. The complaint was referred to the Hawks for investigation, leading to the findings that the funeral scheme was not recognised by any underwriting authority,” said Mohobeleli.
The victims can call the investigator, Const. Lineo Ralejalla, on 082-372-0386 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111.
According to an advert on Facebook, BFT Funeral Services is 100% black-owned. It advertised various funeral services and policies, costing R45 for ten family members, including members as old as 94 years old.
Express’ attempts to reach the funeral scheme through the listed phone numbers were futile. One phone rang without any reply, while the other went to voicemail, informing the caller that the number they have dialled does not exist.
