Question NW2838 to the Minister of Transport
02 December 2020 - NW2838
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Transport
Whether he has been informed that settlements were paid immediately after being lodged by certain lawyers or legal firm (name furnished), but victims of road accidents were not paid and waited for more than 10 years to receive their money; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) was approached by the South African Police Services (SAPS) for information relating to its investigation into the alleged theft of trust funds by the legal firm (name furnished). The SAPS did not inform the RAF of a complaint, nor is the RAF aware of a complaint, relating to the early settlement by the RAF of claims lodged by the legal firm. In respect of the claim concerned, the claim was lodged with the RAF in 2013 and settled in 2018, which is certainly not indicative of early settlement. However, anyone with information in relation to the alleged early settlement of claims lodged by the legal firm is invited to contact the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation on 012 846 4590, or the RAF’s Forensic Investigation Department on 0800 005919. In the interim the RAF’s Forensic Investigation Department is investigating all matters lodged by the legal firm.
NW3662E