Former managers of Gen-Health Medical Scheme allegedly stole members' funds

The successful freezing of their assets was the result of extensive investigations conducted by members of the Council for Medical Schemes and the South African Police Service.

On Tuesday, 21 October 2008, the Johannesburg Office of the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) obtained from the Johannesburg High Court a restraint order against the former managers of Gen-Health Medical Scheme, Jonathan Jason Hall, Shane John Hall and Belinda Maria Neimann.

Assets to the value of approximately R47 million were frozen and restrained. Allegations are that they stole funds to the stated value over a period of time from Gen-Health Medical Scheme.  Members' contributions were not paid over to Gen-Health by the Scheme's administrator FMB Hall Agencies.

These funds were allegedly used instead to pay for personal expenses including bond accounts and the purchasing of luxury vehicles such as Porsches, Ferraris, and a Lamborghini.

The successful freezing of their assets was the result of extensive investigations conducted by members of the Council for Medical Schemes and the South African Police Service.

According to a forensic report filed in the application, it is also alleged that a number of provisions of the Medical Schemes Act were contravened.

The assets placed under restraint include: two properties situated at Dowerglen, Edenvale, two properties at Pecan Wood Estate at Hartebeespoort Dam, a boat, Villa Abrosia Apartments situated at Bedford Gardens, Bedfordview, office park in Bedfordview and luxury vehicles including a Nissan 350Z, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, Mini Cooper, and Cobra.

The irregularities and alleged crimes were discovered by the Council of Medical Schemes during their investigation into Hall Administrator's accreditation application.

The Council of Medical Schemes then obtained a Court order whereby an interim Curator was appointed over the affairs of Gen-Health.  The Council of Medical Schemes also referred the matter to the South African Police Service and the AFU.
"This week's seizure demonstrates our resolve as law enforcement agencies to relentlessly pursue those who organize and seek to benefit from committing crime," said the NPA spokesperson, Tlali Tlali.