RAF Fraud Trial: East London Mother Testifies Against Zimbabwe-Born Lawyer Over Unpaid Compensation

HARARE – An East London mother has told the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court that she spent years trying to recover compensation from Zimbabwe-born attorney Manfred Chinamasa, but never received any payment before her son’s death. Chinamasa (54), a former lecturer at the University of Fort Hare, is facing charges of theft and money laundering linked to alleged fraud involving the Road Accident Fund (RAF). Authorities allege he defrauded RAF clients of approximately R13 million.

Testifying in court, Bukiwe Nomnganga (63) described her prolonged efforts to recover funds following the death of her son, Sandiso Nomnganga. She told the court that Sandiso was injured in a road accident in 2016 in Gqeberha. She later hired Chinamasa in 2017 to pursue a compensation claim. Sandiso died in December 2018 at Nkgubela TB Hospital. Nomnganga testified that in July 2019, Chinamasa informed her that the RAF had paid out R425,000 in general damages. She said she was shown documents confirming the payment and was told that legal fees of about R106,000 would be deducted.

“He said it would take six months before the money got to me,” she told the court.

Despite repeated follow-ups, Nomnganga said she never received any money.

“I would go and check and be told he hadn’t paid,” she said, adding that explanations from the accused changed over time.

In 2021, Chinamasa allegedly referred her case to another firm, which informed her that no funds had been received. Subsequent attempts by another lawyer in 2022 also failed to recover the money.

“I did not receive a single cent from Chinamasa,” she testified.

Nomnganga said she reported the matter to police in 2024 after learning of Chinamasa’s arrest by the elite unit known as the Hawks. She also filed a complaint with the Legal Practice Council, which struck Chinamasa off the roll in 2023.

During proceedings, tensions surfaced when Nomnganga addressed Chinamasa directly, disputing his claim that he had withdrawn from representing her.

“I was expecting that I would be assisted, not have attorneys fighting over me,” she said.

Chinamasa, who has been in custody since 2024, is representing himself after dismissing his legal counsel.

The court has admitted statements from seven RAF forensic officials as evidence, as the case continues to unfold. Legal analyst Advocate Sipho Dlamini said the matter highlights risks faced by claimants.

“RAF cases often involve vulnerable clients. This trial underscores the importance of oversight and accountability within the legal profession,” he said.

If convicted, Chinamasa could face significant jail time, in what is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched fraud trials involving RAF claims in recent years.

Manfred Chinamasa case