BUSINESSMAN AND COMPANY SENTENCED FOR FRAUD RELATED TO UIF

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By: Neo Ntsele

Ente Thibello Sekhoto (51) and his company, Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services (Pty) Ltd, were sentenced on 13 May 2026 by the Heilbron Magistrates' Court for fraud and money laundering related to the Covid-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

In 2020, Sekhoto fraudulently applied for Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits for individuals who were not actually employed by the company.

Due to this fraudulent application, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) deposited R201 812.36 into the bank account of Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services (Pty) Ltd.

This resulted in financial loss and prejudice to the Department of Employment and Labour.

A criminal case was filed and referred to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Welkom for further investigation, leading to Sekhoto's arrest.

The court found Sekhoto and his company guilty of fraud and money laundering.

The accused were sentenced under Section 300 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977.

Sekhoto and his company were ordered to jointly compensate the National Department of Employment and Labour in the amount of R201 812.36.

The compensation must be paid within four years from the date of the order.