An individual, identified as Dr. Lesiba Morgan Gololo, aged 41, working as a specialist physician in speech therapy and audiology, will be spending the upcoming festive holidays in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently obtaining over R1.2 million from Bonitas medical aid.
Dr. Gololo appeared in court before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court in Lebowakgomo on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, to answer to charges of fraud.
The defendant stands accused of knowingly submitting falsified documentation to the Bonitas medical aid program from January 2014 to November 2016. During this period, the accused allegedly made fraudulent claims for medical expenses, despite not actually rendering any medical services.
Doctor In Court For Defrauding Bonitas Medical Aid R1.2 Million
According to spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Limpopo, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, Between January 2014 and November 2016, the accused Dr Gololo is alleged to have submitted false documentation to the Bonitas medical assistance program, claiming medical expenses even though he did not render medical care.
Bonistas sustains a huge loss due to doctor Gololo’s fraudulent activities
The claim was processed, and the Bonitas medical aid scheme sustained a loss of more than R1.2 million as a result. The medical aid scheme undertook a forensic audit. They sought assistance from Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation after spotting the shenanigans. The Hawks’ investigations indicated that none of the victims were aware of the allegations and had no hearing issues.
A fraud case docket was opened at the Magatle police station and transferred to the Polokwane-based Hawk’s Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for additional investigation. A warrant for Dr. Gololo’s arrest was obtained and approved.The accused was contacted and surrendered to police. He was detained and brought to court, where he was released on R1500 bond.
The matter was remanded to 01 February 2024
