| 2024/08/28 |
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Media Statement FREE STATE – On 22 August 2024, Lelokonyane Isak Letseng (44) and his companies, Bophelo Botle Solutions (Pty) Ltd in Bloemfontein and Izuz Gibbor Pty (Ltd) located in Phuthaditjhaba, were sentenced by the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court for fraud and money laundering. Letseng fraudulently applied for Covid-19 Temporary Emergency Relief Scheme (TERS) for the period 01 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 on behalf of individuals affected by Covid-19 and purported to be employees of Bophelo Botle Solutions, whereas they were not employed by the company. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) made nine different payments to the total value of R847 015. 32. As a result, the Department of Employment and Labour (DOEL) was prejudiced and suffered a loss. He made a fraudulent application towards the same TERS for the second company, Izuz Gibbor Pty (Ltd), for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 October 2021 on behalf of individuals purported to be employees of the company, whereas they were not employed by the company. UIF made nine different payments to the total amount of R1 010 555. 92. As a result, DOEL was prejudiced and suffered a loss. A case docket was registered and referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Bloemfontein for further investigation. This led to the arrest of Letseng. He pleaded guilty for fraud and money laundering. Both charges were taken together for the purpose of sentencing. He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of fraud, theft or any crime involving dishonesty. He was instructed to repay the complainant R1 780 017.24, including 11.25% interest, within the period of five years starting from 01 November 2024 with final payment on or before 30 November 2029. On money laundering charges, Letseng was sentenced to a fine of R10 million, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension. He was not declared unfit to possess a firearm. Bophelo Botle Solutions was found guilty of fraud and fined R2 million, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the company is not convicted of fraud , theft or crime involving dishonesty. The company was sentenced to a further R3 million for money laundering, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the company is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension. The other company, Izuz Gibbor, was also found guilty of fraud and money laundering. It was sentenced to a fine of R2 million, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of fraud, theft or crime involving dishonesty during the period of suspension. On charges of money laundering, the company was fined R2 million, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of money laundering during the period of suspension. The Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in the Free State, Brigadier George Mafoyane applauded the investigating officer for a sterling job. “Crime must not deny those with genuine needs access to resources,” he said proudly. Ends
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