Former attorney Michael Senotse Mabunda, 42, appeared in court on a charge of fraud relating to Road Accident Fund (RAF) payouts.
Mabunda was served with summons in connection with a fraud case registered at the Pretoria North police station in August 2019.
IOL understands that Mabunda was consequently struck off the roll of attorneys by the Legal Practice Council.
Gauteng spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Captain Lloyd Ramovha said they investigated after Mabunda allegedly defrauded his clients.
“It was reported that Mr Mabunda, who was an attorney, lodged claims with the Road Accident Fund on behalf of his clients,” said Ramovha.
“The Road Accident Fund paid an amount of R10,562,173 into his trust account. However, Mr Mabunda allegedly never transferred these funds to his clients, resulting in significant financial losses.”
Mabunda made his first appearance before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday.
Ramovha said the case was postponed to November 26, for further proceedings.
Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has welcomed Mabunda’s arrest.
“This arrest serves as a critical reminder to all legal professionals about the importance of maintaining trust and integrity in handling client funds. Fraudulent activities will not be tolerated, and offenders will face the full might of the law,” said Kadwa.
Last month, IOL reported that an Eastern Cape attorney was also alleged to have stolen money from the Road Accident Fund, meant for his clients.
Masixole Bangiso, 41, from Masixole Bangiso Attorneys appeared in East London Magistrate’s Court on September 9.
IOL