The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is delighted at the 10-year jail term that was imposed on a thieving lawyer by the Durban specialised commercial crimes court. Langelihle Dube was sentenced for the theft of R2.3m belonging to his clients. The amount includes a minor’s R1.4m that was paid to the attorney’s trust account by the RAF.
RAF Chief Executive Officer, Collins Letsoalo, said: “Attorneys are using the RAF as a gravy train, either by defrauding the Fund or their vulnerable claimants. It is outrageous that claimants are taken advantage of by the same legal experts who are supposed to protect their interests. The RAF remains committed to the pursuit of fraudulent individuals in order to ensure that the RAF funds are paid to deserving road accident victims.”
In February, the Johannesburg Magistrate Court will sentence three people who were found guilty on over 400 charges of fraud. The RAF plays a critical role in testifying at these court cases against dishonourable attorneys, RAF staff, medical experts, and any other corrupt individuals whose goal is to steal from road crash victims.
In the past three financial years, the RAF successfully stopped fraudulent claims worth over 2.6 billion.
The RAF, through its Forensic Investigation Department, continues to refer fraudulent matters to the South African Police Services following pre-liminary investigations.
In the unfortunate event of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, the RAF Contact Centre is reachable on 087 820 1 111, from Monday to Friday, 07h45 to 16h00. The RAF can also be reached through its offices countrywide, details of which are available on its website on www.raf.co.za.
