Bursary 'swindler' to stay in prison

"BURSARY swindler" to spend more days at Sun City Prison in Joburg.

Fidelis Moema (32), who made headlines after his arrest for defrauding his employer KPMG, a financial institution in Joburg, of over R16,5 million, appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.

He gets legal representation

This was his second court appearance since Tuesday, 2 April, when he appeared without a lawyer, which ultimately led to the case being postponed.

This morning, April 9, Daily Sun learned in court that Moema was granted legal representation.

His lawyer, Advocate Thomas Hlungwani, said: "At his first appearance he was unrepresented, and the matter was postponed until today where he acknowledged his legal representative. Now that he has a legal representative, we can apply for bail."

Although this postponement means Moema will be behind bars for almost 16 days, his lawyer Hlungwani said he is confident and ready for the bail application.

Moema, who faces a schedule five offence, has been charged with fraud, theft and money laundering.

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He allegedly defrauded the company he worked for of its money for nearly a year between 2021 and 2022.

This money was intended to fund bursaries for students in need at various higher education institutions.

His lawyer further indicated that his client was deserving of bail.

'He is fine'

Commenting on Moema's well-being since his arrest, Hlongwani said he was "fine and well".

While it's known that Moema surrendered to police, his lawyer said he could not disclose details of his arrest on instructions.

Swindler's modus operandi

Gauteng Hawks spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thatohatsi Mavimbela confirmed that he handed himself to the Hawks on Tuesday, 2 April.

"Moema misdirected funds meant for bursary recipients. Instead of paying university fees on behalf of students, he paid the money into bank accounts of friends and individuals who own companies. The money was then transferred back to his personal bank account," said Mavimbela.

The case returns to court on Thursday, 18 April for formal bail application.