UIF welcomes SIU raids in KZN, Gauteng over R161m COVID-19 TERS fraud

The acting Commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Malebo Mabitje Thompson, has welcomed the investigations into the UIF and arrests made, calling it an important day of accountability.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) carried out search-and-seizure operations across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, probing allegations of a syndicate that diverted R161 million from the UIF COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme.

Mabitje Thompson said several employees at different levels of responsibility who reported to her are under investigation.

"It's an important day to assure South Africans that the funds that are held in trust with the UIF are secured, and we will do all that we can to ensure that they are used for the correct purpose. We welcome their visit to the UIF because we believe that it is important that anybody who would have unduly benefited from funds should be held to account."