Well-known psychologist, Penelope Homu.
A well-known psychologist in the province has pleaded guilty for fraud and malfeasance.
Penelope Homu, 41 appeared in the Giyani Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on September 6 for fraud after she was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, the Hawks.
She pleaded guilty and sentenced to a fine of R120 000 or five years imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused not be convicted of fraud committed during the period of suspension.
The controversial psychologist was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
In 2021, Platinum Health Medical Scheme (PHMS) noticed a spike of claims for the period from 02 February 2020 to 18 December 2020.
An internal investigation was conducted and it was established that the claims were submitted by a health care practitioner, Homu.
The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Warrant Officers, Lethunya Muroa said during the above-mentioned period, the PHMS received more complaints from their members regarding claims submitted by the health care practitioner without their knowledge or concerns as they did not receive any health care services.
“During analysis of the claims, the scheme found more anomalies such as claims for multiple beneficiaries and multiple referring practices. It was further discovered that the accused did not render any services to members nor dependents as she claimed based on falsified information. Forensic investigators revealed that PHMS members suffered a loss of R192.000.00. The medical aid scheme suffered the amount of over R555 000-00 which was paid to Homu.
“The case docket of fraud was opened at Ritavi police station and transferred to the Hawks for further handling.”
Muroa added that: “Through healthy working relationship between the Hawks, forensic investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority, the case was handled properly until the accused pleaded guilty and sentenced according.
The provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Advocate Gopz Govender praised the investigators for their efforts in ensuring that the accused faced the mighty hand of the law. We appreciate the Good work been executed by the Hawks”