Zimbabwean lawyer, Precious Muleya, denied bail in R20 million fraud case in South Africa

A Zimbabwean lawyer accused of fraud involving South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the alleged theft of money meant for clients has been denied bail in a case involving potential losses of more than R20 million.

Precious Muleya, director of Precious Muleya Attorneys, appeared at the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where her bail application was refused.

The Eastern Cape head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, welcomed the decision.

Muleya faces allegations of fraud and theft relating to compensation claims lodged with the Road Accident Fund on behalf of road accident victims and funds allegedly misappropriated from beneficiaries.

She was arrested by the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section at OR Tambo International Airport on 30 September 2026, after a warrant was issued in connection with cases registered in KuGompo City.

According to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in KuGompo, which conducted the investigation, the case centres on claims submitted to the fund on behalf of about 28 people who were reportedly involved in road accidents.

It is alleged that between 24 October 2011 and 19 January 2024, certain claims contained material misrepresentations that inflated the amounts claimed beyond what beneficiaries were entitled to.

Investigators further allege that after some claims were processed and payments were made, the money was not transferred to the intended beneficiaries but was retained and misappropriated.

The alleged irregularities came to light after the Road Accident Fund identified discrepancies in some claims, leading to rejections. The findings prompted further scrutiny and the matter was referred to the Hawks for criminal investigation.

The Hawks said complainants had suffered actual financial prejudice of more than R5.2 million, with potential prejudice across the broader allegations estimated at over R20 million.

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