BUSINESSWOMAN ARRESTED FOR COVID-19 RELATED CRIMES

By: Neo Ntsele

Bethlehem Serious Commercial Crime Investigation detectives have arrested a Phuthaditjhaba businesswoman, on allegations of fraud and money laundering related to Covid-19 funds.

Maletsatsi Julia Mathibela 49, was arrested on 27 September (Fri), and appeared in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates' Court on the same day.

It is alleged that on 27 September 2020, the suspect applied for the Covid-19 relief fund with the Department of Labour.

An amount over R199 000 was claimed on behalf of employees purported to be working for her company.

However, investigations revealed that such employees never existed.

The suspect was released on R5 000 bail and the case against her postponed to 18 November 2024.