R91,873 GEMS fraud: Pharmacist sentenced to 10 years or R500,000 fine

The disgraced owner and director of a Malamulele pharmacy, Tinyiko Gift Mangolele, has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment or to pay a R500,000 fine by the Giyani Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after pleading guilty to 18 counts of fraud involving the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS).

Mangolele, who was initially released on R5,000 bail in May 2025 while facing allegations he orchestrated a R91,000 medical aid fraud by submitting false claims for cashback and Green Cross shoes in lieu of prescribed medication, admitted to all charges in the latest court proceedings.

The accused “submitted claims on behalf of members of the Government Employees Medical Scheme under the false pretence that medication had been dispensed by his pharmacy,” according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), but instead supplied non-medical goods and cash to GEMS members, causing a loss of R91,873.07 in the counts before the sentencing court.

State Advocate Martin Molokwane argued there was a high degree of dishonesty in Mangolele’s conduct and asked for direct imprisonment of 10 years, or a fine of R1 million if the court considered non-custodial punishment.

The NPA welcomed the sentence. Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Ivy Thenga said decisive action against fraud and corruption remains central to upholding the rule of law and accountability in South Africa’s democratic path.

Regional NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi commended the work of Molokwane and all involved in securing the conviction and sentencing.

This follow-on from the earlier bail story provides continuity in coverage of a matter that once shook confidence in medical-aid integrity in the province.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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