Pharmacy director in Malamulele, Gift Mangolele, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment or a R500,000 fine by the Giyani Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after pleading guilty to 18 counts of fraud involving the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). Mangolele admitted that he submitted fraudulent claims to GEMS, falsely stating that medication had been dispensed to members through his pharmacy.

Instead of supplying the prescribed medicine, he gave beneficiaries Green Cross shoes and cash-back payments. The fraudulent claims caused an actual loss of R91,873.07 to the medical scheme. In aggravation of sentence, senior state advocate Martin Molokwane told the court the offences were serious and involved a high degree of dishonesty.

The State argued for direct imprisonment of 10 years. It further submitted that if the court were to consider a fine, it should be coupled with an amount of R1 million. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence. Limpopo regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said the outcome sends a strong message against fraud and corruption.

“The public rightfully expects more decisive and swift action against fraud and corruption. This shared commitment to the rule of law and accountability must continue to guide South Africa’s path towards a mature and stable constitutional democracy,” Malabi said.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, also commended Molokwane and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.