The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour, welcomes the arrest of two Eastern Cape women who appeared before the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crime Court following their arrest in connection with an alleged R1.1 million fraud case involving UIF funds.

Nandipha Tutani, 47, and Nobuntu Mjili,50, were arrested by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Gqeberha on 15 September 2026 and appeared in court later on the day. According to the investigation, the alleged scheme dates back to 2018, when Tutani was employed by the Department of Employment and Labour within the Employer Services Section. Her responsibilities included the capturing, verification, and filing of employer declaration of employees forms, commonly known as UI-19 forms, on benefits files.

The investigation alleged that prospective UIF claimants were assisted with claim forms and other documentation, despite some allegedly not meeting the requirements to receive benefits. It is further alleged that arrangements were made in certain instances for bank accounts through which proceeds from fraudulent claims could be received. The Hawks say discrepancies were subsequently identified during an audit by the department, after which the matter was referred for further investigation. Tutani and Mjili are alleged to have acted together in arranging and executing the scheme.

Following their arrest, both accused appeared before the court on 15 September 2026 in Gqeberha. They were each released on R2000 bail, with the matter postponed to 5 October 2026 for legal representation.  

The UIF views the arrest as an important step in strengthening accountability and protecting the Fund's resources, which are intended to provide social protection to eligible workers and their families during periods of unemployment and other qualifying conditions. The UIF is committed to working closely with law-enforcement agencies to investigate the financial misconduct that threatens the integrity of the Fund.

“We welcome the work of the Hawks in pursuing allegations of fraud involving UIF funds. Every rand lost through fraudulent activity is a resource that should have been available to support workers who legitimately depend on the Fund. We will continue to cooperate with law-enforcement authorities to ensure that allegations of wrongdoing are thoroughly investigated and that those found to have acted unlawfully are held accountable," said UIF Commissioner, Mr. Thulani Tshefuta. 

The Fund has strengthened its measures to detect and prevent fraudulent claims and transactions, while continuing to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to safeguard UIF resources. The UIF further encourages members of the public, employers and broader stakeholders  to report suspected fraudulent activities involving UIF benefits through the Department's Anti-Fraud Hotline on Telephone Number 0800 601148 or E-mail: fraud@labour.gov.za

The Fund remains committed to ensuring that UIF resources are protected and reach the workers and beneficiaries who are legitimately entitled to them at their moment of need.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

​ 

​​