A Department of Labour official, Kelopa Bethuel Mahlatsi (42), appeared before the Bloemfontein District Court alongside 15 co-accused following their arrest in connection with a large-scale Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) fraud and corruption syndicate.
The other accused are: Kamoho Letuka (47), Thembinkosi Meshack Nelani (41), Pogisho Isaacs Senakgomo (60), Molefi Douglas Mayoba (55), Vuyo Kati (36), Tshendo Motshabi (38), Dintlese Jenipher Motshabi (51), Lehlohonolo Motloung (38), Lucas Marumo Lecoko (41), Thabane Clifford Nkolonyane (32), Senjanamane David Ramatsoele (35), Thabang Benedict Thipe (46), Vuyane Albert Njonondwana (49), Teboho Theron Thwani (38), and Bongani Radebe (41).
The accused face charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering, following their arrest during a coordinated takedown operation led by the SAPS Provincial Organised Crime Unit, supported by Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing (POP), and the Mounted Unit.
The intelligence-driven operation, executed in Bloemfontein, Bethlehem, Welkom, and other parts of the Free State, uncovered a syndicate that allegedly recruited individuals and used their personal information to submit fraudulent UIF claims.
These claims were registered using legitimate company names—without the knowledge of the companies involved—and were processed as if they were valid. The fraudulently obtained funds were then allegedly shared among recruiters, the implicated government official, and, in some cases, the identity holders themselves.
Preliminary investigations estimate the Department of Labour suffered financial losses exceeding R1.5 million, with the accused official allegedly personally benefiting by more than R500,000. Evidence suggests that some of the illicit funds were transferred directly into the official’s bank account by intermediaries and beneficiaries.
The first arrest took place on 03 July 2025 at Labour House in the Bloemfontein CBD, where the implicated official was taken into custody. This operation represents a strong collaborative effort between SAPS specialised units and the NPA’s Corruption Busting Units, and forms part of a broader strategy to combat fraud and corruption that compromise service delivery.
All sixteen accused appeared in the Bloemfontein District Court on 07 July 2025 for their initial appearance. Bail was granted as follows: Kelopa Bethuel Mahlatsi – R10 000, Kamoho Letuka- R3000, Bongani Radebe – R2 000, and the remaining 13 accused – R1 000 each. Additional suspects are expected to be added to the case and will appear in court on 09 July 2025.
NPA Spokesperson Mojalefa Senokotsoane said The case has been postponed to 25 August 2025 for further investigation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes these developments and commends the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies. These arrests demonstrate the NPA and SAPS’s firm commitment to dismantling organised crime and corruption, particularly within the public sector.
This case underscores the NPA’s unwavering resolve to prosecute corruption without fear, favour, or prejudice, especially when public funds meant to assist the vulnerable are misappropriated. Efforts to hold accountable those who undermine public trust and institutional integrity remain a priority in restoring public confidence in the state.