South Africa’s BMA Arrest Fugitive at Ramatlabama Border for TERS Fraud
On Thursday, the Border Management Authority (BMA) made a significant arrest at the Ramatlabama border post between South Africa and Botswana. Tokelo Winston Frederick Modiboa, a 59-year-old fugitive, was apprehended for his involvement in a notorious COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraud case. This arrest brings the total number of suspects in the case to 21.
Modiboa had been eluding authorities since November 2022. His detention adds a new layer to an already intricate investigation that has been ongoing for several years. On the following day, he appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court facing charges of fraud.
An Extensive Investigation
The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation has been instrumental in uncovering the details of this elaborate scheme. Modiboa received payments from three primary suspects: Kegomoditswe Parisian Moselane, aged 36; Irving Ikgopoleng Mongale, aged 46; and Khotjwe Goodwin Motsei, aged 50. These individuals submitted false claims for alleged employees to exploit the COVID-19 TERS programme between 2020 and 2021.
Moselane is accused of fraudulently claiming R271,000 from the Department of Employment and Labour for 47 individuals who were never employed by her company. She then transferred a portion of this money to seven other accused, including Modiboa, who received R27,000.
Similarly, Mongale claimed R970,000 for 150 non-existent employees, transferring R34,000 to Modiboa. Of this amount, the remainder was dispersed among 13 other accused, all of whom have been arrested and released on bail.
Motsei, the final of the three main suspects, falsely claimed over R1 million for 133 supposed employees. Modiboa received R89,500 of these funds, which were then distributed to 11 additional suspects arrested in November 2022. These individuals are currently out on bail.
A Collaborative Effort
The initial arrests in the case were made possible through the combined efforts of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit and the Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS). The arrest of Modiboa marks another victory for these units as they continue to pledge their commitment to bring all fraudulent actors to justice.
“This brings the total number of suspects arrested for COVID-19 TERS fraudulent claims to 21. All the accused have been charged with fraud. Modiboa was remanded in custody and will appear in court on 5 June 2024,” said the police.
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