Emmanuel Mosele Tau (52), who appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (7/8), is facing multiple charges of theft, and his arrest comes as part of a broader investigation into fraudulent activity surrounding RAF claims.

The allegations, which were first brought to light through complaints lodged with the Hawks, suggest Tau received funds from the RAF on behalf of his clients but failed to pass those payments on to them. 

Five separate complainants filed grievances with the Hawks between 2023 and 2024, asserting Tau had unlawfully pocketed funds meant for their compensation following road accidents.

The Hawks’ serious commercial crime investigation unit undertook a comprehensive probe into Tau’s dealings, which ultimately led to his arrest on Thursday. He has been charged with five counts of theft, each relating to the misappropriation of funds from the RAF, said North West Hawks spokesperson Tinyiko Mathebula. During his court appearance, Tau was granted bail of R10,000, and his case has been postponed to 10 October. 

This case follows a similar one involving another North West attorney, Shimane Petrus Mthini (42), the director of Mthini Attorneys. He was arrested earlier this year in Rustenburg on charges of fraud related to misappropriated RAF funds. Mthini was granted R15,000 bail, and he will be back in court on 4 September. 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg