For the first time in about three weeks, the former KPMG bursary specialist Fidelis Moema finally saw the light of day without handcuffs on.
On 19 April, Fidelis made his second appearance of the week at the Palm Ridge commercialised crimes court alongside his two co-accused, businessman Trevor Machimane (39) and Tshwane metro police officer Lebogang Sigubudu (36).
“The co-accused were linked to the respective bank accounts. The state alleges that the KPMG transferred money into the accounts of the co-accused,” Fidelis’ lawyer, Thomas Hlungwane explains to Drum.
The three were granted bail of R50 000 each for over 400 counts of fraud, money laundering and theft.
Read more | “There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be released on bail” – Alleged KPMG scammer’s lawyer
Fidelis is the alleged mastermind behind the embezzlement of R16.5 million meant for bursary beneficiaries from the audit firm between 2021 and 2022. The 32-year-old is accused of making these transactions to his friends, close associates and former girlfriends then later receiving lesser amounts of the money in his account.
In court, the state prosecutor disclosed that some of Fidelis’ former girlfriends will be testifying against him as state witnesses.
Speaking to Drum after the court proceedings, Thomas says he can’t confirm the names and number of state witnesses to appear in court on the matter.
“We haven’t received a disclosure and the docket, so the matter has also been postponed for the state to provide us with the copies of the docket. When we receive copies of the docket, we will know all witnesses but up to so far, the state has provided us with a provisional list of witnesses for the purposes of compliance by the accused with bail conditions.”
Read more | SANDF Graft | R2,2m meant to protect SA soldiers in Sudan ‘stolen’
“The bail condition is that my client shouldn’t communicate with any of the witnesses.”
Fidelis was dismissed in November 2022 following disciplinary processes and criminal charges were opened against him in February last year.
Moema was arrested by the Hawks, after he handed himself over on 2 April.
Despite the charges levelled against, the accused are pleading not guilty.
Thomas stresses that his client is innocent until proven otherwise.
Thomas adds that in the next court appearance on 24 May, preparations for trial will begin.
“We will postpone the matter for consultations in order to prepare for trial.”
