An Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) fraudster has been sentenced alongside his two companies for fraud and money laundering.
Lelokonyane Isak Letseng (44) and his companies, Bophelo Botle Solutions (Pty) Ltd in Bloemfontein, and Izuz Gibbor Pty (Ltd) located in Phuthaditjhaba, were sentenced on 22 August in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.
According to Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti, Letseng fraudulently applied for the Covid-19 Temporary Emergency Relief Scheme (TERS) for the period of 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 on behalf of individuals purported to be employees of Bophelo Botle Solutions, when in reality they were not employed by the company.
The UIF made nine payments to the value of R847 015.32, causing the Department of Employment and Labour (DOEL) to suffer a tremendous loss.
Letseng made a second fraudulent application for his other company, Izuz Gibbor Pty (Ltd), for the period of 1 July 2020 to 31 October 2021 on behalf of individuals not employed by the company.
The UIF made nine more payments to the value of R1 010 555.92, causing another loss for the department.
“A case docket was registered and referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Bloemfontein for further investigation. This led to the arrest of Letseng,” stated Matoti.
“He pleaded guilty for fraud and money laundering and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of fraud, theft or any crime involving dishonesty. He was instructed to repay the complainant R1 780 017.24, including 11.25% interest, within the period of five years starting from 1 November 2024,” added the spokesperson.
Regarding the money laundering charges, Letseng was sentenced to a fine of R10 million, suspended for five years, on the condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.
The two companies were found guilty of fraud and each fined R2 million, suspended for five years on condition that the company is not convicted of fraud, theft or crime involving dishonesty.
Bophelo Botle Solutions (Pty) Ltd was sentenced to a further R3 million for money laundering, suspended for five years. Izuz Gibbor Pty (Ltd) was sentenced on charges of money laundering and fined R2 million, also suspended for five years.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in the Free State, Brigadier George Mafoyane, applauded the investigating officer for a sterling job, saying: “Crime must not deny those with genuine needs access to resources.”
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
