A Limpopo pharmacist accused of orchestrating a brazen medical aid scam that cost the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) nearly R1 million has been released on R5 000 bail.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, GEMS opened a fraud case in April 2024 against a 40-year-old suspect. This followed allegations that the man approached medical aid members, promising them cashback and Green Cross shoes in exchange for their details, which were later used to submit fraudulent claims.
Ledwaba revealed that Tinyiko Gift Mangolele, the owner of a pharmacy in Malamulele, went as far as unlawfully using the identities of unsuspecting medical doctors to file fraudulent prescription claims. These deceitful actions were carried out without the doctors’ knowledge or approval, exploiting their professional credentials to orchestrate an elaborate scheme that further deepened the extent of the scam.
“Furthermore, Mangolele, the owner and director of a pharmacy at Malamulele, used the information of two medical doctors without their permission to claim medication that needed the doctors’ prescription.”
Ledwaba further stated that, “Through intensive investigation conducted, it was further established that other members of GEMS never consulted with the doctors but claims were made on their behalf.”
For four long years, the pharmacy owner carried out a calculated scheme, relentlessly defrauding the medical aid and siphoning off vast sums, causing a devastating financial blow to GEMS.
“As a result, the Medical Aid suffered a total loss of nine hundred and ten thousand rands (R910,000) between January 2018 and September 2022,” Ledwaba said.
He further revealed that, following a meticulous investigation, the suspect was finally apprehended by members of the Provincial Commercial Crime Unit in the Malamulele policing area on May 12.
The suspect is set to make his second appearance at the Giyani Specialised Court on 29 May, while police investigations into the matter continue.
The Star
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