KOMANI, Eastern Cape – A funeral director has been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment for his role in the theft and laundering of a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout meant for an 82-year-old woman.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape the 56-year-old was sentenced in the Komani Regional Court after being convicted of stealing R500 000 and laundering the proceeds.

Thanduxolo Poswa, a funeral director from Tlokoeng (formerly known as Mount Fletcher) and his co-accused, Patricia Sekhosana, Nomandla Papiyana and Sijadu Poswa all pleaded guilty and received wholly suspended five-year sentences.

The court imposed seven years for theft and a further three years for money laundering for Poswa’s leading role in the theft.

The case relates to a RAF claim lodged by L. Mtiya & Company Attorneys on behalf of Desemelo Sekhosana, whose daughter died in a motor vehicle accident.

The RAF settled the claim for R1.4 million, with around R1.1 million due to the claimant after legal fees.

However, the claimant’s bank account was found to be inactive. It was then agreed by family members and attorneys that the funds be paid into Patricia Sekhosana’s account.

Money shared among accused

Once the payout was made, Patricia Sekhosana transferred portions of the money to the other accused.

Poswa received R500 000—the largest share—which he used to build a house. The claimant ultimately received only R405 000.

Evidence showed Poswa later pressured Sekhosana to transfer more funds to him after being informed of the payout.

He told the court the money was a gift and payment for vehicle expenses, but the court rejected this version and found him guilty.

State called for a harsher sentence

The State argued the money was meant to support the deceased woman’s minor children and pushed for a 15-year minimum sentence.

Prosecutors also said recovery of the stolen funds would be unlikely because the house built with the money is on communal land.

Magistrate Nosisa Ngcongolo rejected Poswa’s request to repay the money in instalments or transfer ownership of the house.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Samkelo Mtwana praised the prosecution and investigators, saying the case highlights the effectiveness of the justice system in tackling white-collar crime and protecting vulnerable victims.

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