PSYCHOLOGIST PLEADED GUILTY AND SENTENCED FOR FRAUD
Limpopo – On 06 September 2024, a psychologist, Ms Penelope Homu (41), appeared in the Giyani Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for fraud. She pleaded guilty and sentenced to a fine of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Rand (R120 000) or five (5) years imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused not be convicted of fraud committed during the period of suspension and she was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
In 2021, Platinum Health Medical Scheme (PHMS) noticed a spike of claims for the period from 02 February 2020 to 18 December 2020.
Internal investigation was conducted, and it was established that the claims were submitted by a Health Care Practitioner (Ms Homu).
During the above mentioned period, the PHMS received more complaints from their members regarding claims submitted by the health care practitioner without their knowledge or concerns as they did not receive any health care services.
During analysis of the claims, the scheme found more anomalies such as claims for multiple beneficiaries and multiple referring practices.
It was further discovered that the accused did not render any services to members nor dependents as she claimed based on falsified information.
Forencic Investigators revealed that the Platinum Health Medical Scheme (PHMS) members suffered a loss of One Hundred and Ninety Two thousand Rand (R192.000.00) and PHMS suffered the amount of over Five Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand Rand (R555 000-00) which was paid to the accused.
The case docket of fraud was opened at Ritavi police station and transferred to the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling.
Through healthy working relationship between the Hawks, Forensic Investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority, the case was handled properly until the accused pleaded guilty and sentenced according.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo Province Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender praised the investigators for their efforts in ensuring that the accused faced the mighty hand of the law.We appreciate the Good work been executed by the HAWKS.
