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Two Women Charged in Free State for Misappropriating COVID-19 Relief Funds

Published November 21, 2024
3 months ago

In a development that has captured the attention of many in South Africa, two women have been formally charged with fraud and money laundering in connection with the misuse of COVID-19 relief funds. The accused, Marx Maria Karien, 58, and Khahliso Isabel Motseremeli, 48, were arraigned before the Bethlehem Serious Commercial Crime Court.





The allegations against Marx Maria Karien involve fraudulent activities linked to the Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), administered by the Department of Labour. Between March and October 2020, it is reported that Karien, through her company Pop Snax (Pty) Ltd, falsely claimed over R1 million in relief funds. These funds were ostensibly to support the payment of employee wages during the lockdowns enforced due to the pandemic. However, investigations suggest that a significant portion of the funds was diverted for personal use. The malpractice came to light following a thorough review by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, leading to Karien's arrest and subsequent court appearance on November 18, 2024. She is currently out on R5,000 bail, with proceedings set to continue on November 28, 2024.


Similarly, Khahliso Isabel Motseremeli faces accusations concerning the misappropriation of R36,247.05. Through Paballong Day Care Center, an NPO she operated, Motseremeli is alleged to have fraudulently obtained COVID-19 TERS funds for non-eligible employees from March to April 2020. These funds were also reportedly used for personal expenditures rather than the intended purpose of compensating employees during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Like Karien, Motseremeli's illicit activities were detected by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, resulting in her arrest on the same day as Karien. She was granted R1,000 bail, with her case postponed to January 18, 2025.


These cases underscore ongoing concerns around the management and distribution of COVID-19 relief funds in South Africa. The government's efforts to provide financial support to organizations and workers impacted by the pandemic have unfortunately been marred by instances of fraud, leading to increased scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.


The community and larger public await the judiciary's handling of these matters, hoping for justice to prevail and for a precedent to be set against the misuse of vital public resources intended for pandemic relief.


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