Zimbabwean Lawyer Denied Bail In R20 Million RAF Fraud Case

A Zimbabwean lawyer accused of fraud and theft involving more than R20 million (approximately US$1.1 million) in Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims has been denied bail in South Africa. Precious Muleya, director of Precious Muleya Attorneys, will remain in custody after the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court rejected her bail application on Friday, 23 October 2026.

The case centres on allegations that compensation claims were inflated and that money intended for road accident victims was allegedly withheld from beneficiaries. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.

The Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, are investigating claims involving approximately 28 road accident victims.

Investigators allege that irregularities occurred between 24 October 2011 and 19 January 2024. Some claims allegedly contained false information that increased the compensation amounts beyond what beneficiaries were entitled to receive.

The investigation also centres on allegations that money paid out following the processing of certain claims was not passed on to the intended recipients.

The Hawks said the complainants had suffered actual financial losses exceeding R5.2 million (approximately US$285,000), while the potential financial prejudice linked to the broader allegations exceeded R20 million (approximately US$1.1 million).

Muleya was arrested on 30 September 2026 by the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section at OR Tambo International Airport. Her arrest followed the issuing of a warrant linked to cases registered in KuGompo City.

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in KuGompo handled the investigation. Eastern Cape Hawks head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya welcomed the court’s decision to deny bail.

The case will return to court on 11 November 2026, when it is scheduled to be transferred to the KuGompo Commercial Crimes Court for further proceedings.

Muleya will remain in custody until her next appearance. The court proceedings will determine how the allegations are addressed.

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