Bethlehem: Marx Maria Karien (58) and Khahliso Isabel Motseremeli (48) have appeared before the Bethlehem Serious Commercial Crime Court this week on separate charges of fraud and money laundering. It is alleged that between March 2020 and October 2020, Karien submitted claims to the Department of Labour for COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (COVID-19 TERS) benefits to the total amount over R1 million. This was done through her company, Pop Snax (Pty) Ltd. The funds were approved by the department and deposited into the company’s account. It was further reported that only a portion of the money was used to pay employees and the rest was for personal use.

According to South African Government News Agency, the matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Bethlehem for further investigation, culminating in the arrest of Karien in Bethlehem on 18 November 2024. She made her first court appearance on the same day. The case against Karien has been postpone
d to 28 November 2024, and she was granted R5 000 bail.

Meanwhile, in the matter involving Motseremeli, it is alleged that between March 2020 and April 2020, she submitted claims to the Department of Education for COVID-19 TERS funds through her non-profit organisation, Paballong Day Care Center. It is further alleged that the accused applied for COVID-19 TERS funds for employees who did not qualify for benefits from the Department of Employment and Labour. A total amount of R36 247.05 was paid to the accused for her personal benefit.

The matter was similarly reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team based in Bethlehem for further investigation, leading to the arrest of Motseremeli in Bethlehem on 18 November 2024. The case against Motseremeli has been postponed to 18 January 2025, and she was granted R1 000 bail.