MEMBERS OF ONE FAMILY CONVICTED AFTER DECADE-LONG UIF FRAUD SCHEME

13 November 2025

MEMBERS OF ONE FAMILY CONVICTED AFTER DECADE-LONG UIF FRAUD SCHEME

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – After ten years marked by medical delays, technical challenges, and legal wrangling, the Gqeberha Commercial Crime Court has convicted several members of the Jantjies family for defrauding the Department of Employment and Labour (the Department) through fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) claims. The accused were found guilty on one count of fraud and twelve counts of money laundering.

The convicted family members are Dimitri Jantjies (48), Barbara Jantjies (77), Thomas Jantjies (77), Virsinese Jantjies (42), and Tania Jantjies (49). They acted in concert with the late C’Bornai Jantjies (50), a former employee of the Department, to submit false UIF applications. The scheme, which ran from May 2009 to March 2011, involved the manipulation of official documents, including employer declaration forms (UI-19s), to divert UIF funds into bank accounts controlled by the accused.

The investigation revealed that the accused used their positions and influence within the Department to ensure that the false claims were processed and approved. The single count of fraud comprised 18 false UIF claims, resulting in an actual loss of approximately R500 000 and a potential prejudice exceeding R110 000. The late C’Bornai and Dimitri exploited their roles to process and approve the fraudulent claims, while the remaining accused recruited individuals to provide bank accounts, sometimes receiving payments directly and offering rewards to those who cooperated.

A total of 16 witnesses testified during the trial. These witnesses were either known to or related to the accused, or had been approached by them through family connections, social circles, or even their domestic worker. Some were family friends, others fellow church members, and some former partners. None of the claimants was aware that their accounts were being used to channel fraudulent UIF funds, underscoring the calculated and concealed nature of the operation. Two of the claimants have since passed away, and their affidavits were admitted into evidence under Section 3(1) of the Law of Evidence Amendment Act 45 of 1988 (the exception to the hearsay rule), following a trial within a trial. The court ruled in favour of the State, allowing the affidavits as admissible evidence.

These convictions reaffirm the NPA’s commitment to holding accountable those who exploit state resources for personal gain. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, welcomed the outcome, stating: “This case demonstrates that the NPA will hold accountable those who exploit public resources for personal gain. The successful prosecution of the Jantjies family sends a strong message that fraud, theft, and the abuse of state systems will not be tolerated. “He further congratulated the state prosecutor, Advocate Wilhelm De Villiers, for his diligence, skill, and perseverance in securing this long-awaited conviction.

The matter has been remanded to 12 January 2026 for the preparation of a presentence report, Correctional Supervision report, and Probation Officer report. The convicted fraudsters’ bail has been extended until that date.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

National Prosecuting Authority

Tel: 047 501 2630 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za

Enquiries: Nokuthula Makupula

Tel: 068 268 2473