An elderly woman in Bohlokong, Bethlehem, lodged a complaint with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) against an illegal funeral operator who failed to pay funeral benefits, despite funeral cover being taken out and premiums paid religiously between 2017 and 2022.  

According to the Hawks spokesperson in the Free State, Zweli Mohobeleli, the complaint was referred to the Hawks with further allegations that the funeral scheme was not recognised by any underwriting authority. Investigations into the matter were conducted. The 50-year-old man was served with a summons on 25 July by the Hawks team in Bethlehem. 

Mohobeli said the suspect will appear before the local court on 25 August 2023 and he will be facing charges of fraud, theft, money laundering, and contravention of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 37 of 2002.

Bokaba urged victims of such schemes in the province, especially around Bethlehem, who may have been defrauded by the accused, to contact Detective Constable Lineo Ralejalla on 082 372 0386.

OFM News