PHARMACY DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR DEFRAUDING 

18 FEBRUARY 2026 

PHARMACY DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR DEFRAUDING 

Government Employees Medical Scheme Limpopo, South Africa – The Giyani Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced Tinyiko Gift Mangolele to 10 years’ imprisonment or to pay a fine of R500 000 for 18 counts of fraud. 

The accused pleaded guilty to all counts. He admitted to submitting claims on behalf of members of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) under the false pretence that medication had been dispensed by his pharmacy. Instead of providing medication to GEMS members, he supplied them with Green Cross shoes and cash back payments. As a result of the fraudulent claims, the medical scheme suffered an actual loss of R91 873.07. 

In aggravation of sentence, senior state Advocate Martin Molokwane argued that the accused committed serious offences involving a high degree of dishonesty and should be severely punished. The State argued for direct imprisonment of 10 years and submitted that, should the court consider a fine, it should be coupled with an amount of R1 million. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence. The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga, stated that the public rightfully expects more decisive and swift action against fraud and corruption. She emphasised that this shared commitment to the rule of law and accountability must continue to guide South Africa’s path towards a mature and stable constitutional democracy. The DPP further commended the work of Advocate Molokwane and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. 

Issued by: 

Mashudu Malabi 

Regional Spokesperson – Limpopo Division 

Email: mmalabi@npa.gov.za 

Cell: 074 823 3606