NPA SECURES DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR JANTJIES FAMILY MEMBERS IN UIF FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING SCHEME

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured direct imprisonment sentences against members of the Jantjies family following their conviction for fraud and money laundering arising from a scheme that defrauded the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) of approximately R500 000.

Following a decade-long trial marked by medical delays, technical challenges, and protracted legal proceedings, the Gqeberha Commercial Crimes Court sentenced Dimitri Jantjies (49), the mastermind behind the scheme, to an effective 12 years' direct imprisonment.

His parents, Barbara Jantjies (77) and Thomas Jantjies (78), were each sentenced to an effective term of 10 months' imprisonment, while his wife, Tania Jantjies (49), and relative, Versinese Jantjies (42), were each sentenced to an effective eight months' imprisonment.

The accused were convicted on one count of fraud and 12 counts of money laundering.

The fraudulent scheme operated between May 2009 and March 2011 and involved the manipulation of official UIF documentation, including employer declaration forms (UI-19s), to facilitate the unlawful diversion of UIF benefits into bank accounts controlled by the accused.

The court found that Dimitri Jantjies and his late sister, who was employed by the UIF at the time, used their positions and influence within the Department of Employment and Labour to ensure that fraudulent claims were processed and approved. The single count of fraud comprised 18 fraudulent UIF claims, resulting in an actual loss of approximately R500 000 to the UIF and a potential prejudice exceeding R110 000.

Evidence presented during the trial further revealed that the remaining accused recruited various individuals to provide bank accounts through which the fraudulently obtained funds could be channelled. In some instances, they received payments directly and rewarded those who cooperated with the scheme.

A total of 16 witnesses testified during the trial. These included individuals who were related to, acquainted with, or approached by the accused through family connections, social networks, religious affiliations, and other personal associations. Some were family friends, church members, former partners, or persons connected to the family through domestic employment relationships.

The evidence established that none of the account holders was aware that their bank accounts were being used to facilitate the fraudulent payment of UIF benefits, highlighting the deliberate and concealed nature of the operation.

Two of the claimants passed away before the conclusion of the trial. Their affidavits were admitted into evidence under section 3(1) of the Law of Evidence Amendment Act 45 of 1988 following a trial-within-a-trial. The court ruled in favour of the State and admitted the affidavits under the statutory exception to the hearsay rule.

In determining an appropriate sentence, the court considered the pre-sentence reports, correctional supervision reports, and probation officer reports. Barbara and Thomas Jantjies were each sentenced to five years' imprisonment, while Tania and Versinese Jantjies were each sentenced to four years' imprisonment in terms of section 276(1)(i) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. This means they will serve a portion of their custodial sentences before being considered for placement under correctional supervision for the remainder of their terms.

Welcoming the sentences, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, said the outcome reaffirms the NPA's commitment to holding accountable those who abuse state resources for personal enrichment.

He further commended Senior State Advocate Wilhelm De Villiers for his diligence, skill, and perseverance in securing the successful finalisation of this complex and long-running matter.

The NPA remains committed to combating fraud, corruption, and money laundering, particularly crimes that undermine public institutions and deprive vulnerable beneficiaries of resources intended for their support.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division