SIU hunts for R161m UIF-Ters fraud kingpins

THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will analyse evidence seized this week in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and file for civil litigation to recover the millions of rands from the Unemployment Insurance Fund's (UIF) Covid-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (Ters).

- TASCHICA PILLAY

The SIU and specialised police units swooped in on a syndicate of 35 people representing 16 businesses who defrauded the UIF-Ters fund of R161 million.

Searches were conducted at Kenville in Durban, Port Shepstone, Anerley and Margate on the South Coast, Pietermaritzburg, Sandton and Fourways and Pretoria.

The syndicate had exploited the financial safety net designed for vulnerable workers during the pandemic.

Among those being investigated were:

· Gauteng-based Nakomang Trading Enterprise which allegedly received over R19m, and Lubelo Hlomuka Holdings trading as SA Scrum Assembly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng(KZN/Gauteng). It is alleged they received R15.9m.

· Lubelo Hlomuka Holdings director, Nhlakanipho Mngomezulu, has identified by the SIU as the syndicate's alleged mastermind ("Mkhulu").

· Bokoharama Construction, directed by Thamsanqa Madlala, allegedly received over R18m.

Aventador Gate which is linked to R3.8 m in dubious benefits, along with numerous companies operating in KwaZulu-Natal.

Key individuals suspected of managing syndicate operations include Yolanda Nombuso Mgobo, who is alleged to have received and distributed over R18.6m in syndicate funds. Searches were conducted at her residences in Scottburgh and Amanzimtoti, as well as at premises linked to her fiancé.