The KuGompo Magistrates' Court has refused bail to attorney Precious Muleya, who is accused of defrauding the Road Accident Fund (RAF) of about R5.2 million. She is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Muleya, an admitted High Court attorney who practised as Precious Muleya Attorneys, faces a charge of fraud or, alternatively, theft, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The case returns to court on 11 November.
The allegations
The NPA alleges claims were submitted to the RAF for at least 12 beneficiaries between 29 August 2019 and 19 February 2021. The claims were allegedly lodged for road accident victims from areas including KuGompo, Centane, Butterworth, KwaBhaca and Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, and Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal.
Muleya was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 30 September after arriving from the United Kingdom. The NPA said she had allegedly been evading arrest.
The bail argument
Eastern Cape NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the State argued that Muleya is a flight risk, with no established family ties or property in South Africa and the means to leave the country.
In an affidavit, Muleya said she had returned to South Africa permanently to reopen her law firm and has a child living in the country.
The court refused bail. The reports we reviewed do not set out the magistrate's reasons in detail. The State has said its investigation is complete. The matter was postponed to 11 November for her first appearance in the KuGompo Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
