EFF Demands Swift Justice for Medico-Legal Fraudsters, Slams Government’s Amnesty Offer

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a strong demand for the immediate arrest and prosecution of legal practitioners and officials implicated in defrauding the South African government and the Department of Health of billions of rands through fraudulent medical claims. The party’s call for swift justice comes in response to recent revelations of widespread corruption within the medico-legal sector.

Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi recently provided these fraudsters with a controversial two-week amnesty to withdraw their claims, a move that has been met with fierce criticism from the EFF. Motsoaledi revealed that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had already saved the Department of Health over R3 billion in suspected fraudulent claims, with the total expected to rise as investigations continue.

Over the weekend, Dr. Motsoaledi, alongside SIU head advocate Andy Mothibi, briefed the media on the initial findings of the high-profile investigation into medico-legal claims. The investigation targets fraudulent claims filed against the health department across various provinces, a problem that has plagued the department since a notable surge in litigation in 2015.

The EFF, however, has taken issue with the government’s decision to offer amnesty to the fraudsters, calling it a “disgrace.” The party expressed disbelief that the ANC-led government would consider negotiating with individuals who have already “betrayed the trust of the people.”

“These corrupt legal practitioners and medical personnel must be prosecuted without delay—anything less is a betrayal of justice,” the EFF stated in their response. The party vehemently opposes any form of amnesty, arguing that justice must be served without compromise.

In addition to their call for immediate arrests, the EFF has urged the government to increase the budget allocation to the SIU. The party believes that a well-funded SIU is crucial for ensuring that corruption within both the public and private sectors is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

“The EFF supports an increase in budget allocation to the SIU to ensure maximum capacity for speedy prosecution. Corruption thrives when investigative and prosecutorial entities are under-resourced,” the party declared.

The issue of medico-legal fraud has also caught the attention of other government entities. On Tuesday, Collins Letsoalo, CEO of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), pledged the RAF’s support in assisting the SIU and the Department of Health with their ongoing investigations. Letsoalo highlighted the success of the RAF’s Forensic Investigation Department, which between 2020 and 2023, blocked fraudulent claims worth R2.6 billion.

Letsoalo expressed deep disappointment over the recent fraud revelations, stating, “Defrauding government departments and entities robs South Africans, claimants, and their families of their livelihood. It is profoundly disappointing that some hospital patients and accident survivors encounter thieves disguised as professionals.”

The EFF’s demand for immediate action and increased resources for the SIU underscores the party’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that justice is served swiftly and fairly. The coming weeks will be crucial as the government responds to mounting pressure to hold those responsible accountable and restore public trust in the health sector.