RUSTENBURG: A Rustenburg-based attorney Shimane Petrus Mthini (42), also director of the Mthini Attorneys, faces serious fraud charges pertaining large Road Accident Fund (RAF) money. He appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday, 22 July following his arrest on allegations of defrauding two claimants.
Mthini’s appearance in court followed his arrest by the North West Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, which discovered prima facie evidence through in-depth investigations. Lt. Col Tinyiko Mathebula, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the attorney allegedly defrauded two complainants, in a media statement. Combined the money in question is R1.1 million, R300 000 and R800 000, respectively.
“Reports indicate that the accused loaned R300 000 from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) claimant, citing that he wanted to pay another Road Accident Fund claimant. He allegedly promised to pay back the money (R300 000), when his client had received funds from the RAF. An investigation revealed that the accused received over R800 000 from the RAF and never paid his client. The accused also reportedly failed to pay back R300 000, which was loaned to him by the complainant,” said Mathebula. He said the court granted the suspect Mthini bail of R15 000 bail and was ordered to reappear in court on 4 September.
Mathebula said Brig Silas Munzhedzi, the acting head of the Hawks and Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, have applauded the investigators who worked on the case to bring the suspect the book. “They have cautioned legal practitioners who are defrauding unsuspecting victims that the NPA and Hawks will stop at nothing to ensure that victims get justice,” said Mathebula.
