A judge has given a pharmacy owner in Malamulele, Limpopo, a 10-year term behind bars or the option to pay a R500 000 fine, after he pleaded guilty to 18 counts of fraud involving the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS).
IOL reports that Tinyiko Gift Mangolele, who was sentenced by the Giyani Specialised Crimes Court, had initially been released on R5 000 bail in May 2025 while facing allegations of orchestrating medical aid fraud of R91 000 by submitting false claims for cashback and Green Cross shoes in lieu of prescribed medication.
The claims were submitted on behalf of GEMS members “under the false pretence that medication had been dispensed by his pharmacy”, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), but instead, he supplied non-medical goods and cash to GEMS members, causing a loss of R91 873.07 in the counts before the sentencing court.
State Advocate Martin Molokwane had argued there was a high degree of dishonesty in Mangolele’s conduct and had asked for direct imprisonment of 10 years, or a fine of R1m if the court considered non-custodial punishment.
IOL News article – R91,873 GEMS fraud: Pharmacist sentenced to 10 years or R500,000 fine
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