Lawyer wanted for RAF fraud

Authorities are searching for Jo-Anne Mantladi Mmela, a 42-year-old attorney accused
of defrauding the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in Mpumalanga. Mmela allegedly
pocketed RAF claim money meant for her client, a child victim she was representing.

Mmela was arrested last September and released on R25,000 bail, but failed to appear
at her December 5 court date and has since disappeared.

It’s alleged that Mmela was appointed to assist with an RAF claim and submitted it on
the victim’s behalf. After RAF paid out the claim into her trust account, Mmela allegedly
redirected the funds into a different account instead of to the victim’s guardian as
required.

A warrant is out for Mmela’s arrest on charges of fraud and theft. Anyone with
information about her whereabouts is urged to contact investigator Zandile Mashaba at
082-303-9880. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

The brazen pilfering of relief funds meant for an injured child sinks to a new low, even
for corrupt officials.