Zuko Komisa

A former attorney, Mantladi Jo-Anne Mmela, has been found guilty on four counts of theft by the Mpumalanga Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The conviction stems from her defrauding clients of more than R4.1 million in Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims between June 2019 and March 2022, while operating as a sole practitioner.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mmela lodged claims with the RAF on behalf of her clients. Upon successful payout, the funds were deposited into the trust account of Mmela Incorporated Attorneys. However, instead of disbursing the money to her clients, Mmela unlawfully withheld the funds.
The crimes came to light after one victim reported Mmela for failing to pay out their claim. This led to an investigation and her subsequent arrest in 2022. Mmela was initially granted bail but was re-arrested and held in custody after absconding.
During the trial, Mmela pleaded not guilty. However, Senior State Advocate Henry Nxumalo presented compelling evidence from witnesses, leading to her conviction on all four counts of theft.
Mmela’s case has been postponed to 21 August 2025, for sentencing at the same court.
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