By OBAKENG MAJE
The Omolemo Funerals financial service provider, Hlomelang Manare was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for fraud. Manare (32) acted as a financial services provider without having a license and lured members of the public, particularly the elderly to take insurance policies from his company, Omolemo Funerals, whilst he knowing that his company is not registered.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “Between 2019 and 2020, Manare registered five complainants on cashback policies in his company, Omolemo Funerals. He promised to pay his unsuspecting clients after the death of the insured, whereas he knew his company was not underwritten by any insurance company.
“Manare was convicted on one count of the Contravention of Section 7(1) of the Financial Advisory Intermediary Act 37 of 2002 and five of fraud. On count one, he was sentenced to 10 months or R20 000 and on the five counts of fraud, he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for three years.”
In aggravation of the sentence, the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, argued that Manare preyed on vulnerable people, who lived off social grants. Mokgopa said the unsuspecting clients relied on the services of the accused in the unfortunate event of death. Magistrate Kwena Letsapa agreed with the state and remarked on the loss suffered by their complainants, as they had to borrow money to bury their loved ones, incurring debts in the process.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded Mokgopa, Captain Bantseke Partition from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and all other role players, who ensured that Manare is convicted. Makhari further urged members of the public to be extra vigilant and do due diligence when dealing with financial advisors and institutions.
TaungDailyNews 