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Pharmacist's fraud trial continues

The trial involving a well-known Soweto pharmacist, who has been accused of being part of a syndicate that defrauded medical aids, was due to continue today.

Sam Manaka, 39, owner of Jabulani Pharmacy at the Jabulani Mall, appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Commercial Crime Court yesterday.

The case was rolled over until today, when Constable Lebogang Dexter Makue was to continue with his testimony. He had previously testified as a section 204 witness of the Criminal Procedure Act, which obliges him to testify truthfully or risk facing prosecution. He said he had become aware of Manaka's allegedly fraudulent acts in 2004 and 2005.

The State alleges that Manaka and other pharmacists and doctors provided toiletries, groceries and cash to police officers and then made claims to the SAPS medical aid scheme. Manaka has pleaded not guilty to each of the 642 counts of fraud. 

Vuyo Mkize - The Star 13 June 2012