KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman Yolanda Nombuso Mgobo, whose assets have been frozen by the Special Tribunal following an SIU investigation into an alleged R18 million UIF TERS fraud linked to COVID-19 relief funds.
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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a Special Tribunal order freezing assets belonging to a KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman linked to a multi-million rand fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds, in a case that has exposed alleged abuse of the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (UIF TERS).
The SIU confirmed that the tribunal order relates to more than R18 million in irregular claims, following an investigation into funds that were allegedly siphoned through a network of companies during the pandemic.
“The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the Special Tribunal’s order to freeze a KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman’s assets linked to the abuse of the Unemployment Insurance Fund Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (UIF TERS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, of over R18 million in claims,” SIU spokesperson Selby Makgotho said.
At the centre of the case is Yolanda Nombuso Mgobo, sole director of Yoluleko Trading (Pty) Ltd, who is accused of benefiting from proceeds linked to multiple entities, including Ezogu Trading (Pty) Ltd, Nakomang Trading Enterprise CC, Ezikamshalaza Trading CC, Senzisipho (Pty) Ltd and Amakhosana Contractors (Pty) Ltd.
The SIU investigation found that Mgobo received a total of R18,632,335 into both personal and business accounts, with funds allegedly used for personal gain and to benefit her partner, Mr Hlalanathi Hopewell Mbangi, between 2020 and 2025.
“The SIU’s investigation further revealed that Mgobo utilised these proceeds for personal benefit and that of her life partner,” Makgotho said.
The tribunal order freezes a range of high-value assets, including vehicles such as a Hyundai Tucson, a Ford Ranger and a Toyota Corolla, as well as multiple properties across KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast.
Among the properties listed are a R870,000 home in Scottburgh, jointly owned properties in Uvongo valued at R845,000, and additional properties in Scottburgh valued at approximately R1 million each.
Special Tribunal Judge President Margaret Victor ruled that Mgobo, Mbangi and Yoluleko Trading are prohibited from selling, transferring or disposing of the assets while investigations continue.
“Mgobo, Mbangi, and Yoluleko Trading are prohibited from selling, transferring, hiding, or disposing of specific vehicles and properties listed in the order while the investigation and hearings are ongoing,” Makgotho confirmed.
Although Mgobo did not directly submit UIF TERS claims, investigators found that her company received substantial transfers from other entities that had accessed UIF funds, which were then channelled into her accounts.
The SIU revealed large-scale flows of public money through several companies, including Nakomang Trading Enterprise, which received approximately R19.2 million from UIF, and Ezikamshalaza Trading, which received R5.09 million.
“Although Mgobo did not personally submit UIF TERS claims, she and her company received funds from these entities, which were subsequently transferred to her personal accounts,” the report stated.
The investigation also found that Ezogu Trading and Ezikamshalaza Trading made repeated payments to Mgobo totalling millions of rand between 2022 and 2023.
Authorities further alleged that the case involved the use of a “ghost employee database” to unlawfully access relief funds, which the SIU says amounts to criminal conduct.
“These claims were found to be irregular, including the use of a ghost employee database to access relief funds, which constitutes a criminal offence,” Makgotho said.
The SIU confirmed that the matter will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for potential criminal prosecution, including fraud and money laundering charges.
It added that it remains committed to recovering public funds and ensuring accountability in cases where COVID-19 relief measures were allegedly exploited.
“The SIU remains committed to recovering public funds lost through corruption and maladministration, and to holding accountable those who sought to exploit relief measures intended to support vulnerable workers and businesses during the pandemic.”
The frozen assets will remain under restriction pending the outcome of the Special Tribunal proceedings, with the accused required to continue maintaining all related costs, including insurance and levies.
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