Thabiso Goba19 April 2024 | 6:12

Ex-girlfriends of alleged KPMG fraudster Moema turn as State witnesses against him

Moema allegedly made 431 fraudulent transactions, totalling R16.5 million, to several companies linked to his friends and girlfriends.

Ex-girlfriends of alleged KPMG fraudster Moema turn as State witnesses against him

Fidelis Moema and his co-accused at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on 18 April 2024. They are facing charges of fraud and money laundering after allegedly stealing money meant for bursary recipients during Moema's employment at KPMG. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURB - The ex-girlfriends of former KPMG bursary specialist, Fidelis Moema, have turned into State witnesses against him.

Moema allegedly made 431 fraudulent transactions, totalling R16.5 million, to several companies linked to his friends and girlfriends.

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These transactions happened between October 2019 and 2022.

On Thursday, Moema, along with his two co-accused, Trevor Machimana and Lebogang Sigubudu, appeared at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for their bail applications.

State prosecutor Valencia Dube said Moema would coerce his ex-girlfriends to open companies in their names.

Dube said Moema would divert KPMG bursary funds to these companies and transfer himself the bulk of the money.

The prosecutor said all those women have come forward, made statements to the police, and are now State witnesses.

"The State has a very strong case against accused number one [Moema] supported by Section 236 bank statements depicting the money trail from KPMG and ultimately into his bank account."

A bail decision on the applications of Moema and his two co-accused is expected later on Friday.