An Eastern Cape attorney is alleged to have stolen money from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) that was meant for his clients.
Masixole Bangiso, 41, from Masixole Bangiso Attorneys appeared in East London Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 9.
He was arrested on the same day as his court appearance by members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks).
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, said the arrest was made by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based in East London.
“It is alleged that on April 18, 2021, at Fitz Patrick Street in East London at approximately 6pm, the complainant was involved in a motor vehicle accident as a passenger in a bakkie,” Mgolodela said.
“It is further reported that she was rushed to Frere Hospital in an ambulance where she was hospitalised for five weeks due to the severity of her injuries. Upon discharge, she reportedly visited Masixole Bangiso Attorney for a RAF claim,” she said.
“Bangiso took the complainant to a specialist to prove the severity of her injuries where after he made an application for an amount of R550,000 to RAF which according to the complainant Bangiso deemed a reasonable offer for the damages.”
In June 2023, the complainant alleged she was told the payment of her claim would be made by December 2023. It is further alleged that on January 3, 2024, the complainant called Bangiso to check the progress of the claim payment as she lost her brother and needed funds to assist with funeral preparations.
Bangiso allegedly confirmed payment to his trust account by RAF but failed to transfer the funds to his client and kept on giving excuses.
“The complainant further approached the legal counsel for assistance where it was confirmed that the claim of an amount of R550,000 was indeed paid to Masixole Bangiso Trust Account on January 3, 2024,” Mgolodela said.
“It is alleged that Bangiso after being consulted by the Legal Counsel paid the client an amount of R500,000 which investigations by the Hawks confirmed that it was a claim paid out by RAF for another client of Bangiso. The RAF was prejudiced cash to the value of more than R1 million during these two transactions hence Bangiso’s arrest.”
During his brief appearance, Bangiso was granted R4,000 bail.
The matter has been postponed until October 11, 2024, for further investigations.
IOL