KPMG Bursary Specialist Implicated In a Bursary Fraud

Picture Courtesy: SABC NEWS

Masego Mosipa

(The Post News) – Fidelis Moema, a bursary specialist employed by KPMG, one of the largest accounting firms globally, joined the company in 2021 with the role of bursary administrator. In this capacity, Moema is tasked with granting bursaries to deserving students to support their educational pursuits.

It is claimed that Moema dispersed the funds to multiple accounts associated with friends and companies, supposedly to create the illusion of granting bursaries to deserving students and universities. Subsequently, the funds would allegedly be redirected back into his account. These actions are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, seemingly without detection by his employer, KPMG, which, notably, is an auditing firm.

Throughout the years on social media, Moema’s extravagant lifestyle is evident through lavish vacations worldwide and luxury cars, both for himself and his child’s mother, Sthe Bengu. These conspicuous displays have led many to speculate that signs of potential misconduct could have been noticed earlier, including a particular trip to Greece, the purchase of a helicopter, and the most talked-about being the Range Rover he purchased for the mother of his child as a “push present.” To the amusement of people, he did not stop there. He further purchased a rare Mercedes-Benz, of only 15 manufactured in the world, and only 2 owned in South Africa.

With a house in Steyn City, home to one of the most expensive properties in the country, Moema lives a life many can only dream of. The mother of his child, Sthe Bengu,’s social media posts which haven’t recently resurfaced, one of such where she tweeted that she would rather survive off of state money instead of working. She has since deleted her social media accounts, which led the public to believe her partner, Moema, might be guilty of all he stands accused of doing.

Last week, the 32-year-old Moema surrendered himself to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Investigative team in Johannesburg. He subsequently appeared at Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, facing charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering. The case was adjourned to Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, for a formal bail hearing. Moema’s bail request has been denied, and he will remain in custody. Additionally, reports are indicating that he will not be the sole defendant in the trial.