A woman from Mbizana briefly appeared before the East London Magistrate’s Court after she was arrested by the East London Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks on April 4 on allegations of fraud.
Thandeka Maqutu (35) was released on bail of R500, and her case was remanded for May 3, 2023, for further investigation.
Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said it is alleged that on August 29, 2015, Maqutu was walking nearby St Patrick’s Hospital in Mbizana when she fell and sustained injuries to her ankle and elbow.
“It is further reported that she was then taken to St Patrick’s hospital where she was treated and transferred to Bedford Orthopaedic hospital in Mthatha for further medical treatment,” said Mgolodela.
He added that on May 5, 2021, she reportedly visited Mbizana police station where she allegedly opened a complaint of a hit and run by a motor vehicle.
According to Mgolodela, she then later logged claim with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to an amount of R2,3 million.
“The claim was processed by RAF and as documents were being perused and analysed by RAF Forensic Investigator, discrepancies were noted and necessitated further scrutiny. It was then discovered that she was not involved in a hit and run but rather got injured whilst walking.”
Mgolodela added that the RAF paid an amount of R12 833.73 to litigate against the claim. She further confirmed that the matter was then referred to the Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in East London for criminal investigation that led to an arrest on April 4, 2023.
