Marlene Pietersen (42) appeared in the Gqeberha New Law Court on 5 October 2021 for allegations of fraud after her arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on the very same day.

On 24 April 2018, Pietersen allegedly submitted a false Road Accident Fund (RAF) claim on behalf of her husband, Niklaas Gallant who died after falling off a bridge, claiming that he had died in a motor vehicle accident that occurred in Joubertina on 7 July 2014.

RAF discovered inconsistencies and then lodged a complaint with the Hawks which culminated in the arrest of Pietersen on 5 October 2021. RAF was rescued from a potential prejudice of R700 000.

Pietersen was released on warning and was instructed to return to court today, 6 October 2021.

Source: South African Police Service