10 accused in UIF fraud scheme granted R1 500 bail each

An alleged mastermind behind an Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) fraud syndicate and nine other suspects have been granted R1 500 bail each in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. Bethuel Mahlatsi, 44; Kgethisi Molaba, 28; Monyoko Mofokeng, 33; Thakane Maitse, 29; Tsietsi Mokoena, 33; Thami Sothole, 29; Omphile Mokoena, 29; Mokgethi Mofokeng, 32; Tebello Mbele, 32; and Lehlohonolo Motloung appeared in the Free State court on Friday and face charges offraud. In what police describe as a “significant blow to organised crime”, nine of the suspects were arrested during a multidisciplinary “takedown operation” in Bethlehem on Wednesday, 18 March.

Mahlatsi, a current employee of the Department of Labour and the alleged mastermind, was arrested on Friday in Bloemfontein. “It has been noted that Mr Mahlatsi currently has anotherpending fraud case from late 2025,” Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said. Kareli said the intelligence-led operation was carried out by the Free State Provincial Organised Crime Investigations unit, crime intelligence and the Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team.

“The investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme where agents and complicit officials allegedly manipulated the UIF claim system for personal gain,” the spokesperson said. “The group is accused of submitting fictitious information, claiming to have worked for specific companies to trigger payouts.” He said they defrauded the Department of Labour more than R300 000. During their initial appearance, the state did not oppose bail.

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The case, Kareli said, has been postponed to 18 May for further bail information and investigation. The acting Free State provincial commissioner, Major General Apaphia Modise, said: “As the police, we remain committed to rooting out corruption within government departments.

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