EASTERN CAPE: A 58 year old suspect will appear in East London Regional court on 8 November 2023. The suspect was arrested by East London based Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks for allegations of Road Accident Fund (RAF) fraud on 7 November 2023.
It is alleged that the suspect lodged a claim through his attorneys with RAF on 29 January 2016 stating that on 7 October 2014, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident and him being the driver of a Toyota Corolla. He further alleged that he was travelling from Elliot to Cala when he avoided a head on collision with another vehicle that was travelling in the oncoming lane. He reported that he swerved off the road, lost control of his vehicle which overturn and that is where he sustained severe injuries.
While analysing the claim, RAF could detect some red flags with the claim and thus referred the matter to the Hawks for investigation.
Investigations revealed that the suspect’s statement was contrary to the statements submitted by the Police Official who attended the scene and those of Elliot Hospital Medical records where he was admitted after the accident. The suspect allegedly unlawfully and intentionally misrepresented the facts of what occurred during the day. In his statement the suspect indicated to be avoiding collision with the oncoming vehicle whereas according to the other two sources he was avoiding to hit a cow.
Investigations further revealed that RAF was nearly prejudiced cash to the value of more than R1.6 million.
The suspect will make his first court appearance in East London Regional court on 8 November 2023.