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Alleged bursary swindler’s defence say girlfriend’s posts won’t affect bail bid

todayApril 10, 2024 344 3

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Lawyers for fraud-accused businessman, Fidelis Moema, say it’s unlikely that his girlfriend’s controversial social media posts will affect his bail application.

The former KPMG employee is expected to apply for bail next week Thursday, following a brief appearance in the Palm Ridge Commercial Crime Court yesterday.

The 32-year-old faces fraud, money laundering charges and theft charges after allegedly looting R16.5 million from KPMG, money which was meant to fund student bursaries.

It’s alleged he redirected the funds into bank accounts belonging to friends and companies before depositing the money into his personal bank accounts.

Moema’s girlfriend, influencer Sthe Bhengu has come under fire online following his arrest.

This after old tweets of hers resurfaced, sparking claims the influencer wanted to spoil herself like Beyoncé and enjoy illegal state funds.

Bhengu has since deactivated her X account.

She’s yet to comment following her baby daddy’s highly-publicised arrest.

The couple, who share a child together, were known to flaunt their lavish lifestyle on social media.

A black Range Rover SUV, a luxury holiday to Greece and a flashy helicopter gender reveal are among some of the gifts Bhengu received from her partner – around the same period between 2021 and 2022 when the funds were allegedly embezzled.

Moema’s lawyer Thomas Hlungwane has told YNews that Bhengu’s social media posts should not affect his bail application.

“During bail application the accused is presumed innocent. What we focus on at the moment are the requirements of bail. Whether someone is implicated or not – we don’t know. That we will know once we receive the docket,” he explained.

Despite this, however, the 32-year-old’s legal representatives say they’re confident they can secure his release when the accused returns to court next week. Written by Naomi Kobbie

Written by: Lindiwe Mabena

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