SIU Cracks Down on TERS Fraud in the Eastern Cape
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has announced the court appearances of four individuals involved in defrauding the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), a government program aimed at helping employers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scheme, managed by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), became a target for fraudulent claims.
Key Details of the Fraud:
Nomvuzo Melody Kupiso's Case:
Kupiso used her company, Khayathi, to falsely apply for TERS benefits for people who hadn't worked at her company since 2015.
She created fake proofs of payment, making it look like these former employees received TERS money during the pandemic peak.
The UIF paid Khayathi R216,905.95 based on these fraudulent claims.
Kupiso was arrested and appeared in court on charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering. She was released on R1,500 bail.
The Cases of Tlotliso Molaba, Lehlohonolo Class Motaung, and Lelokonyana Isak Letseng:
These three, through their companies Afrikhan Source and Izuz Gibbor, filed TERS claims for individuals who were not their employees.
Afrikhan Source received nine payments totaling around R1,396,053 from March to December 2020.
Izuz Gibbor received nine payments totaling about R101,555 from July 2020 to October 2021.
It was discovered that the individuals for whom they applied had never worked for these companies.
The suspects were arrested and granted R10,000 bail each, with the case postponed to June 11, 2024.
These arrests highlight the SIU's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure that government relief funds reach their intended recipients.
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