Attorney arrested after she received client’s R500K from Road Accident Fund & gave injured client nothing! A 52-year-old attorney, Chupjana Lekoloane Chueu, has been released on R3,000 bail following her arrest on fraud charges.
Chueu appeared before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Tuesday. The case has been postponed to January 30, 2025, for further investigation.
The Allegations: Fraudulent Handling of RAF Funds
Chueu’s arrest stems from allegations that she defrauded a 36-year-old woman of a significant payout from the Road Accident Fund (RAF). According to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the victim had been involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2016 and filed a claim with Chueu’s law firm.
In early 2021, the RAF processed a payment of R500,000 into Chueu’s trust account. However, the victim claims she never received the funds.
Discovery of the Fraud
The victim began suspecting foul play when no payment was forthcoming. In March 2021, she contacted the RAF directly and discovered that the payout had been processed two months earlier.
“Despite attempts to contact the attorney, the victim was unable to reach her. The matter was eventually reported to the police, and a case of fraud was opened at the Lephalale Police Station,” Ledwaba explained.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The case was transferred to the provincial commercial crime investigation unit, where it underwent a thorough investigation. After gathering sufficient evidence, authorities issued a warrant for Chueu’s arrest earlier this month.
Chueu was taken into custody on Monday night, marking a significant step in addressing fraudulent activities within the legal profession.
Provincial Police Commissioner Responds
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, welcomed the arrest. She emphasized that such actions should deter others from engaging in fraudulent practices, particularly those who misuse their professional positions for personal gain.
“This arrest sends a strong message to those involved in fraudulent activities. The police remain committed to ensuring that justice prevails, especially in cases where public trust has been betrayed,” Hadebe said.
Similar Cases of RAF Fraud
This case highlights a broader issue involving fraudulent activities linked to the Road Accident Fund. In November, former attorney Michael Senotse Mabunda, 42, appeared in court on similar charges.
Mabunda had allegedly defrauded multiple clients by lodging claims with the RAF on their behalf but failing to disburse the payouts. According to Captain Lloyd Ramovha, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Mabunda was eventually struck off the roll of attorneys by the Legal Practice Council.
“It was reported that Mr. Mabunda, who was an attorney, lodged claims with the Road Accident Fund on behalf of his clients,” Ramovha said. However, the funds were not passed on to the rightful beneficiaries, leading to a criminal investigation.
The Road Ahead
The arrest and pending court cases against Chueu and others underscore the persistent issue of fraud in handling RAF payouts. These funds are meant to compensate victims of motor vehicle accidents, often individuals facing significant financial and emotional hardship.
Authorities are urging victims of such fraud to come forward and report their cases, as they continue working to hold dishonest professionals accountable.
Chueu’s legal troubles serve as a stark reminder of the ethical responsibilities attorneys hold in their profession. As her case proceeds, it sheds light on the need for stricter oversight and enforcement to prevent similar misconduct in the future.
Call for Public Vigilance
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant when dealing with legal practitioners and to verify the status of claims directly with the RAF or relevant authorities. Reporting fraudulent activities not only helps individuals but also strengthens accountability within South Africa’s legal system.
Chueu’s case will resume on January 30, 2025, as investigations continue.