An 85-year-old doctor accused of issuing a fake death certificate, who previously claimed he was “too old for a trial”, is now negotiating a plea deal with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Durban Regional Court has heard, and asking for a lenient sentence.
Dr Eric van der Veen is one of four people charged with fraud in a case in which an allegedly illegal Old Mutual insurance claim of R6.5m is being probed.
The doctor returned to court last Thursday after the matter was postponed in September, reports News24.
He had previously denied any wrongdoing and asked the office of the KZN Director of Public Prosecution Advocate Elaine Harrison, to remove his name from the list of accused.
However, his attempt failed and he is now arguing for a lenient sentence.
Prosecutor Herman Morton said in court that the plea could be settled next month.
The doctor has been charged with Emmanuel Ponan, Merlen Munusamy and Sifiso Gabela, a funeral parlour director.
The Hawks, which investigated the matter, said the incident stemmed from when Ponan had applied for R6.5m life cover with Old Mutual in February 2020.
Three months later, his girlfriend, Munusamy, allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim in her capacity as a beneficiary. Gabela had apparently asked Van der Veen to certify the body.
Old Mutual became suspicious and launched an investigation.
Later, the Hawks became involved, and it was discovered that Ponan was still alive.
Ponan, Munusamy and Gabela are expected to return to court on 17 November, and the matter will be moved to 8 December, when all four accused are expected to appear.
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I’m too old to stand trial, says fraud accused doctor (85)
Doctor (84) charged with fraud over false death certification
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