NPA offers witness protection to ex-girlfriends of KPMG fraud-accused Fidelis Moema
Moema and two co-accused were granted R50,000 bail each on Friday, with Magistrate Sharon Soko saying she believed they did not pose a danger to the state witnesses.
(From left) Fidelis Moema, Trevor Machimana and Lebogang Sigubudu appeared at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 19 April 2024.
JOHANNESBURG - The state says it is willing to provide witness protection for the ex-girlfriends of alleged KPMG bursary fraudster Fidelis Moema.
Moema and two co-accused were granted R50,000 bail each on Friday at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Moema is charged with 431 counts of theft, fraud, and money laundering amounting to R16.5 million.
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It is alleged that between 2019 and 2022, Moema used his position as KPMG’s bursary fund specialist to divert money meant for students towards himself and his accomplices.
During the bail application, the state revealed that an undisclosed number of Moema's ex-girlfriends have turned state witness against him. The state said Moema used their names and identities to launder money allegedly he stole from KPMG.
In releasing Moema and his co-accused on bail, Magistrate Sharon Soko said she believed that they did not pose a danger to the state witnesses, even if they are know them.
But Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said witness protection was available for anyone who believed their lives were in danger.
“Where they feel that their lives are being threatened, the state is in a position to take the necessary steps, but for now, we have not received such information as the NPA.”
The matter returns to court on 24 May.