The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will oppose bail for KuGompo-based attorney Precious Muleya, who faces fraud charges linked to allegedly fraudulent Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims valued at approximately R5.2 million.
Muleya, a Zimbabwean national, made a brief appearance in the KuGompo Magistrates’ Court, where the matter was postponed to 9 October 2026 for a formal bail application.
The State has indicated that it will oppose her release on bail.
Attorney arrested at OR Tambo International Airport
Muleya was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 30 September 2026 after allegedly evading arrest for some time.
She initially appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court in Gauteng, before the case was transferred to the Eastern Cape, where the alleged offences are being prosecuted.
She faces a charge of fraud, alternatively theft, relating to claims allegedly lodged with the RAF on behalf of at least 12 beneficiaries.
Hawks investigation uncovers alleged fraudulent RAF claims
At the time of the alleged offences, Muleya was an admitted attorney of the High Court and practised through Precious Muleya Attorneys.
According to the investigation, she allegedly submitted RAF claims for road accident victims from several areas, including KuGompo, Centane, Butterworth, KwaBhaca, Mdantsane and Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, investigated the claims and identified alleged irregularities dating back to between 29 August 2019 and 19 February 2021.
During this period, the RAF allegedly made payments ranging from approximately R150,000 to R947,000 based on information investigators believe was false and used to inflate the value of claims.
Allegedly forged medical reports and invoices
Investigators further allege that some of the claimants were never assessed or treated by the medical and professional practitioners whose invoices and medico-legal reports were submitted with the RAF claims.
The investigation alleges that these documents were forged and used to persuade the RAF to make payments that the claimants were not legally entitled to receive.
The allegations will form part of the State’s case as the criminal proceedings continue.
Bail application set for 9 October
Muleya is expected back in the KuGompo Magistrates’ Court on 9 October 2026, when her formal bail application is scheduled to be heard.
The NPA has made it clear that it intends to oppose bail.
The case highlights the potential financial impact of fraudulent claims against public institutions, particularly where supporting documentation is allegedly manipulated to obtain larger payouts.
NPA vows to pursue commercial crime
The NPA said it remains committed to combating fraud and corruption, protecting public resources and ensuring that people accused of commercial crimes are brought before the courts.
Muleya remains an accused person at this stage, and the allegations against her have yet to be tested in court.
The outcome of the bail application will determine the immediate conditions under which she awaits further proceedings.
