UIF welcomes legal action in alleged R16 million TERS fraud case

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has welcomed legal action taken against an individual accused of defrauding the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) of R16 million.

In a statement on Tuesday, the UIF confirmed that a preservation order was granted through the Special Tribunal at the request of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The order allows for the freezing of assets linked to the accused, pending further legal proceedings.

The case relates to alleged fraud involving TERS, a relief measure introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to support workers and businesses affected by lockdown restrictions.

Acting UIF Commissioner Malebo Mabitje-Thompson reaffirmed the fund’s zero-tolerance stance on fraud and corruption, describing the development as a decisive step towards accountability and the protection of public resources.

“We will relentlessly pursue any individual or entity that defrauds the UIF and we will not stop until every cent is traced, recovered, and those responsible face the full consequences of the law,” she said.

The UIF added that it continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate and recover funds that were unlawfully claimed, with several cases already progressing through the courts.