Alleged KPMG bursary fraudster to apply for bail

Fidelis Moema made a brief appearance in Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, where faced charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering.

It's alleged Moema misdirected funds meant for university students between 2021 and 2022.

The 32-year-old made his first appearance following his arrest last week.

The matter was postponed so that the accused could secure the services of a lawyer.

Moema’s newly appointed lawyer, Thomas Hlungwane, said they are ready to apply for bail.

"As counsel, we are ready. We were even ready to proceed with the bail application today. It's only that the counsel for the state has other engagements."

The State alleges that Moema redirected monies meant to pay university fees for students who qualified for the KPMG bursary into the accounts of his friends and associates.

Following Moema's arrest, the audit firm confirmed he had been dismissed in November 2022 after a "stringent disciplinary process" for breaching company policy.

"Subsequent to his dismissal, KPMG identified potential fraud committed by Mr Moema and immediately initiated an internal forensic investigation. This investigation uncovered fraudulent behaviour related to bursary funds, and as a result, we reported the matter to the relevant law enforcement authorities in February 2023," their statement read.

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Meanwhile, Hlungwane says it's unclear whether more suspects will be added to the multi-million-rand fraud and corruption case.

Moema's social media accounts depict a lavish lifestyle of overseas travel and luxury cars with his influencer girlfriend, Sthe Bhengu.

Moema's lawyer said it's too soon to consider whether Bhengu may be implicated.

"During bail application, the accused is presumed innocent. What we focus on at the moment is those requirements of bail. Whether someone is implicated or not, we don't know. That we will know when we receive the docket."

Hlungwane said he is confident his client qualifies for bail and that there is no reason it should be denied.

The matter returns to court next Thursday.