A FREE State businessman has been arrested in connection with alleged fraud involving the Covid-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).
Antonio Richard MacDonald, 61, the owner of Radius Sales Merchandising, appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on fraud and money laundering charges.
He was granted bail of R5 000 and is expected to return to court in March.
MacDonald was taken into custody by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Monday.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, MacDonald allegedly applied for TERS funding from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) between 27 March 2020 and 19 June 2021, claiming it on behalf of supposed employees.
The application was approved and the UIF reportedly made ten payments totalling R1 082 460.96.
An internal investigation later revealed that three individuals listed in the application were Lesotho nationals who were in South Africa illegally.
The case was then referred to the Hawks for further investigation, ultimately leading to MacDonald’s arrest.
During his next court appearance, the case is expected to be transferred to the Regional Court. – Staff Reporter