Two people were referred to the courthouse for fraud and money laundering

Marx Maria Karien (58) and Khahliso Isabel Motseremeli (48) appeared in the Bethlehem Serious Commercial Crimes Court this week on separate charges of fraud and money laundering.

Between March 2020 and October 2020, Karien allegedly submitted claims totaling over R1 million to the Ministry of Labor for COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Program (COVID-19 TERS) benefits.

This was done through his company, Pop Snax (Pty) Ltd. The funds were approved by the ministry and deposited into the company’s account. It was also reported that only part of the money was used to pay employees, while the rest was paid to employees. personal use.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Hawks’ Bethlehem-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for further investigation, which resulted in Karien’s arrest in Bethlehem on 18 November 2024.

He appeared in court for the first time on the same day. The case against Karien was adjourned until 28 November 2024 and he was granted bail of R5 000.

Meanwhile, the case involving Motseremeli alleges that between March 2020 and April 2020, she submitted a request to the Ministry of Education for COVID-19 TERS funds through her non-profit organisation, Paballong Day Care Centre.

The defendant also allegedly applied for the COVID-19 TERS fund for employees who were not eligible for assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment. A total of R36 247.05 was paid to the defendant for his personal benefit.

The matter was reported to the Hawks’ Bethlehem-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team for further investigation, which resulted in Motseremeli’s arrest in Bethlehem on 18 November 2024.

The case against Motseremeli was adjourned until 18 January 2025 and he was granted bail of R1 000. – SAnews.gov.za