News / National
Zimbabwean lawyer arrested over R20m RAF fraud
02 Oct 2026 at 13:10hrs |
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A Zimbabwean lawyer has been arrested in connection with allegations of fraud and theft involving Road Accident Fund (RAF) trust funds, with actual financial prejudice to complainants exceeding R5.2 million and potential losses in the broader investigation estimated at more than R20 million.
Precious Muleya, director of Precious Muleya Attorneys, was arrested on September 30 at OR Tambo International Airport following a warrant issued in connection with cases opened at KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the investigation centres on claims lodged through Muleya's legal practice on behalf of about 28 people who were allegedly involved in road accidents.
The alleged offences occurred between October 24, 2011 and January 19, 2024.
According to the Hawks, some of the claims contained material misrepresentations that allegedly resulted in compensation claims being inflated beyond the amounts to which the claimants were entitled.
"It is further alleged that compensation funds were subsequently paid in respect of some of the claims," Mhlakuvana said.
The investigation also focuses on allegations that compensation money paid to Muleya's practice on behalf of clients was not transferred to the intended beneficiaries.
"The scrutiny therefore extends beyond the alleged submission of fraudulent claims and includes allegations concerning the unlawful appropriation of compensation funds entrusted to a legal practitioner for the benefit of clients," Mhlakuvana said.
The RAF reportedly identified discrepancies in some of the claims and repudiated them before referring the matter to the Hawks for further investigation.
The Hawks said their investigation had so far established that complainants suffered actual financial prejudice of more than R5.2 million.
Potential financial prejudice arising from the broader allegations is estimated at more than R20 million.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and Muleya remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Muleya briefly appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Thursday, October 1.
She is expected to be transported to the Eastern Cape, where she is scheduled to appear before the KuGompo Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 5.
Eastern Cape provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the multidisciplinary approach to the investigation, saying the involvement of various stakeholders had helped advance the case.
Precious Muleya, director of Precious Muleya Attorneys, was arrested on September 30 at OR Tambo International Airport following a warrant issued in connection with cases opened at KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the investigation centres on claims lodged through Muleya's legal practice on behalf of about 28 people who were allegedly involved in road accidents.
The alleged offences occurred between October 24, 2011 and January 19, 2024.
According to the Hawks, some of the claims contained material misrepresentations that allegedly resulted in compensation claims being inflated beyond the amounts to which the claimants were entitled.
"It is further alleged that compensation funds were subsequently paid in respect of some of the claims," Mhlakuvana said.
The investigation also focuses on allegations that compensation money paid to Muleya's practice on behalf of clients was not transferred to the intended beneficiaries.
The RAF reportedly identified discrepancies in some of the claims and repudiated them before referring the matter to the Hawks for further investigation.
The Hawks said their investigation had so far established that complainants suffered actual financial prejudice of more than R5.2 million.
Potential financial prejudice arising from the broader allegations is estimated at more than R20 million.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and Muleya remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Muleya briefly appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Thursday, October 1.
She is expected to be transported to the Eastern Cape, where she is scheduled to appear before the KuGompo Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 5.
Eastern Cape provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the multidisciplinary approach to the investigation, saying the involvement of various stakeholders had helped advance the case.
Source - iol
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