The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has successfully blocked over 2,000 fraudulent claims valued at approximately R65 million in the past three years, demonstrating its commitment to protecting funds meant for genuine road accident victims.
RAF spokesperson Boniswa Matshoba confirmed the clampdown, highlighting the fund’s robust anti-fraud initiatives. “As part of its anti-fraud measures, the RAF rejected 870 fraudulent claims in the 2023/2024 financial year, 713 in 2022/2023, and 448 in 2021/2022,” Matshoba said. These claims were halted before processing, preventing significant financial losses to the fund.
Protecting Genuine Victims
Matshoba emphasised that these efforts are vital to ensuring efficient payments for legitimate claimants. “The RAF’s mission is to support road crash survivors by improving efficiency and accelerating payment processes,” she added.
A notable case involved Siyabulela Kima, who was sentenced to five years in prison by the East London regional court for attempting to defraud the RAF of R8.3 million. Kima claimed his crash was due to a speeding vehicle overtaking a truck, but investigations revealed the accident occurred after he suffered an epileptic seizure, with no other vehicle involved.
Strengthening Anti-Fraud Measures
RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo underscored the broader impact of fraud on service delivery. “Fraud costs the RAF money and negatively affects service delivery to road crash victims and their families. It is a national issue that undermines the organisation’s mandate,” Letsoalo stated.
To combat this, the RAF has strengthened its partnerships with law enforcement and government agencies, focusing on verifying employment and personal information, which has proven crucial in fraud detection.
Public Cooperation Encouraged
Letsoalo called on the public to play an active role in combating fraud by reporting any suspicious activities. “Public vigilance is critical to safeguarding the integrity of the claims process,” he said, adding that the RAF will continue to bolster its anti-fraud measures to ensure that funds reach deserving claimants.
Conclusion
The RAF’s proactive stance against fraudulent claims reflects its dedication to protecting South Africa’s road users. By enhancing fraud detection and fostering partnerships, the fund aims to ensure that its financial resources are directed to those in genuine need.
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