An Eastern Cape woman has appeared in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court over an alleged attempt to defraud the Road Accident Fund of about R986,300.

According to IOL, the Hawks allege that 38-year-old Ntombizandile Mda submitted a false claim after her brother died in a road accident near Mthatha in March 2023. The Eastern Cape RAF fraud case will return to court in July.

Hawks Probe Alleged R986,300 Claim

The Hawks said the case followed a fatal accident on the R411 near Viedgesville in Mthatha on 4 March 2023. A pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle and died at the scene.

Investigators allege that Mda later submitted a claim to the Road Accident Fund in connection with the deceased. The RAF identified discrepancies in the claim and referred the matter to the Hawks’ Mthatha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit.

Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the investigation confirmed allegations of fraud. Mda appeared in court on Thursday, 25 June 2026, after the Hawks served her with a summons.

Accused Allegedly Claimed To Be Surviving Spouse

According to the Hawks, Mda allegedly presented herself as the deceased man’s surviving spouse. Investigators also allege that she claimed they had two minor children together.

Mhlakuvana said she further claimed to have paid for the deceased’s funeral expenses and sought compensation for loss of support. The Road Accident Fund rejected the claim, which the Hawks said prevented a possible loss of about R986,300.

The Eastern Cape RAF fraud matter was postponed to 14 July 2026 for disclosure of the docket contents. Mda was released on warning.

Wider RAF Fraud Context

The case comes amid other recent RAF fraud-related matters in Mthatha. Earlier in June 2026, a separate Eastern Cape man appeared in the same court over an alleged R10 million RAF fraud and perjury case.

The RAF says it provides cover to road users in South Africa and compensates people injured in motor vehicle accidents. It also has official channels for reporting suspected fraud.

No plea or defence response was reported in the available sources. Newsroom will update the story if further court details become available.