By OBAKENG MAJE
An attorney who was arrested for fraud was granted R5000 bail by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Emanuel Mesele Tau (50) was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for allegedly defrauding a client R763 195. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) pay-out.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the money was a pay-out from Road Accident Fund (RAF). Rikhotso further said, Mesele received the money on behalf of the client but kept it for himself.
“It is reported that the client who had lost her husband in a vehicle accident, requested the assistance of the accused to lodge a claim with RAF. In 2014, the payout was allegedly received by the accused, who failed to divulge this information to a client.
“In 2021, after allegedly many failed attempts to get hold of the attorney, the widow reported the incident to the police. The case was subsequently transferred to the Hawks for further probing, resulting in the recent arrest of the attorney,” she said.
Tlangelani added that, the matter was adjourned to 8 August 2023 for the regional court date.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho welcomed the arrest and commended the exceptional efforts of the investigator and the prosecutor, who worked on the case.
The Guardian 