IF I want to be a millionaire, I must make that happen!
Those are words Fidelis Moema, now dubbed "Bursary Swindler", lives by.
The 32-year-old recently made headlines following his arrest for defrauding his employer, KPMG, a financial institution in Joburg over R16.5 million.
This was money meant to be fund bursaries for struggling students at various institutions.
For almost a year between 2021 to 2022, Moeme lived lavishly, buying top-of-the-range cars, suits, trips to the mountain and wining and dining.
Moeme grabbed everyone’s attention while living his soft life.
From what Daily Sun has gathered, the young and polished Moema posted gatherings with family and friends, laughing, having a good time, wearing designer suits and flexing iPhones and fancy watches.
A recent video that has been trending on social media shows Moema in Greece, and in another, he makes a special helicopter gender-reveal of his child.
Wherever he goes, he doesn't shy away from speaking about money.
In another video, that has also gone viral, he's recorded giving a motivational talk to women on how to be successful without relying on rich men.
“To all the women who have dreams and ambitions out there, make them happen on your own. Yes, it may be hard doing it on your own. How do you fully become proud of yourself, if all you have earned was through a helping hand of a male? he's heard saying.
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In the same video, Moema affirmed how women, unlike men, are forced to work for their money.
“If I want to be a millionaire, I have to make that happen. If I want to become extremely successful, that's all on me, I have to put in the extra hours and sacrifice,” he said.
Fidelis Moema was busy being a motivational speaker while stealing money from disadvantaged kids pic.twitter.com/VSL6tvrak7
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) April 4, 2024
KPMG has confirmed to Daily Sun that Moema was dismissed on 11 November 2022, following a disciplinary process relating to non-compliance with company policies.
Subsequent to his dismissal, the company said it identified potential fraud committed by Moema and immediately initiated an internal forensic investigation.
Amidst all the saga, KPMG has given assurance that approved bursary beneficiaries have not been impacted.
“The firm has honoured all its commitments, and the bursary programme will continue to support students. The most disappointing aspect of this situation is the lost opportunity to assist additional students,” the company said.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Warrant-Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said Moeme handed himself over to the Hawks on Tuesday, 2 April, and faces theft, fraud and money laundering charges.
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“Moema misdirected funds meant for bursary recipients. Instead of paying university fees on behalf of the students, he would pay the money into bank accounts belonging to friends and individuals who own companies. The money would then be paid back into his personal bank account,” Mavimbela said.
Moema appeared in the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on 2 April, and the matter was postponed for a formal bail hearing.
He will be back in court on 9 April.
