Limpopo pharmacist released on bail after alleged R1 million medical aid fraud
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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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Gauteng police have since closed their investigation into the missing ceremonial mayoral chain, with no arrests made and the valuable symbol of office still unaccounted for. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that no arrests had been made and directed inquiries to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 'A theft case was opened and investigations were conducted, and the docket was brought before the Deputy Public Prosecutor, who declined to prosecute; hence, the matter was closed on 25 July 2025. 'For more information on reasons not to prosecute, kindly contact the NPA. No one was arrested in this matter. Like any other case, should there be new information/evidence, the case can be reopened to investigate the new info.' DA MPL Kingsol Chabalala described the case closure as disturbing, criticising SAPS for failing to provide a clear reason. 'It is disturbing to learn that the SAPS has closed a case relating to the missing mayoral chain in Sedibeng District Municipality without citing the reason. This is a serious matter that leaves suspicions as the case has been suddenly closed without any arrests or recoveries of the mayoral chain. Chabalala has submitted a letter to MEC for COGTA Jacob Mamabolo and Premier Panyaza Lesufi, demanding an explanation for why the investigation was closed without any resolution. He also called on Premier Lesufi's office to initiate an urgent, independent investigation into the disappearance of the mayoral chain, aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding its loss and why the theft was not immediately reported to the police. Additionally, he requested clarity on why the police closed the case, including access to any documentation or findings that informed their decision. 'The disappearance of a ceremonial asset valued at nearly half a million rand, coupled with the lack of transparency and accountability, undermines public trust in the municipality's leadership. Your intervention is critical to restoring confidence and ensuring that those responsible for any negligence or misconduct are held accountable. I trust that your office will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it demands. Please keep me informed of any actions taken or progress made in addressing this issue.' The letter reads. Chabalala further said that political interference may have played a role in the case's closure. He added that if Premier Lesufi is serious about tackling corruption, he must intervene to ensure justice for the mayoral chain, a valuable symbol belonging to the residents of Sedibeng. He also confirmed that questions will be tabled in Parliament to demand answers. The case has sparked public outrage, with the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) holding protests in June 2024 to demand an investigation into the missing mayoral chain. Previously, as reported by IOL, five mayoral chains have been lost across South Africa, including the recently missing Sedibeng mayoral chain. In KwaZulu-Natal, Msunduzi Municipality saw seven out of 34 gold links vanish from its mayoral chain, once valued at R800 000. Kimberley, diamonds donated by Harry Oppenheimer, mysteriously disappeared from the city's chain, later replaced with fakes. Molemole Municipality in Limpopo lost a R100 000 chain in 2011, allegedly at the hands of the mayor's brother, while neighbouring Mogalakwena only realised its chain was gone during a mayoral inauguration in 2011.
