R25m property seized from internationally acclaimed actress and others
The luxury properties seized are situated in Pretoria, Centurion, Hartbeespoort and Johannesburg and also include two Ocean Basket franchises located in the East Rand and a BMW 420i.
The Pretoria High Court has banned a group of suspects, including a leading actress in the 2006 Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, from disposing of criminally linked properties valued at about R25-million.
This was as the NPA’s asset forfeiture unit recently secured an order to preserve about 12 properties located in Pretoria, Centurion, Hartbeespoort and Johannesburg, allegedly obtained unlawfully by individuals and non-profit organisations.
The order was granted on November 4.
It prohibits Moitheri Pheto, Lesley Ramulifho, Collin Mukondeleli Tshisimba, Fulufhelo Promise Kharivhe, AO residence trust, Rasemate family trust, Mojakgomo family trust, Unbrand properties and Just Cuban trust from leasing or selling the properties.
The properties were allegedly proceeds of unlawful activities by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) following allegations of serious maladministration and corruption, according to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
The alleged unlawfulness was uncovered by the special investigating unit (SIU) revealed that the purchasing of properties by the members was through the use of NPOs, which received money under the auspices of funding for needy communities.
She said the preliminary investigations by the unit revealed that the NLC lost almost R344-million from the grants.
These grants were meant for the needy in impoverished communities to rebuild a school that was torched during protests in Vuwani in Limpopo, a drug rehabilitation centre in Eersterust and the construction of an old age home in Kuruman, Northern Cape.
Some of the grant money meant for NPOs were used to buy luxurious properties to benefit employees of the NLC, members of the NPOs and their family members or friends.
“In most instances, the properties were registered in the names of the entities and not in the name of private individuals. Some entities masqueraded as construction companies, but did not do [any] construction or very little of it. They were effectively used as money laundering vehicles to receive kickbacks from NPOs that received grants from the NLC.
The SIU investigation has uncovered a web of corruption related to NLC funding and flow of funds to NLC officials, board members and their family members. The SIU is pursuing all individuals involved in the siphoning of NLC money. pic.twitter.com/wFlAbJCT1e
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) March 2, 2022
“The luxury properties, therefore, constitute proceeds of unlawful activities; hence, the application for a preservation order pending the final determination of the application for final forfeiture. In terms of the High Court order, which was granted on November 4, prohibits, and restrains,” said Mahanjana.
The luxury properties seized also include two Ocean Basket franchises located in the East Rand and a BMW 420i.
Mahanjana said the properties and vehicle were valued at about R25-million and the NPA would also soon apply for a forfeiture order.
“Once a forfeiture order is granted, the properties will be sold at public auction and proceeds returned to the NLC.”
She said criminal cases against the former CFO Philemon Letwaba, CEO Lesley Ramulifho and the attorney who did legal work for NLC implicated in the fraud and corruption matter had been opened.
Mahanjana said the NPA wanted to assure the public that it was relentless in its fight against organised crime, including those government employees.
In a statement, actress Moitheri Pheto has maintained innocence.
“I am dismayed to discover I am the subject of a probe into allegations of fraud relating to funding by the national lotteries commission.
“I deny any involvement in the alleged scheme that has been reported on. I also had no prior knowledge of an application to obtain a preservation order against me and have had no sight of this order.”
She vowed to cooperate fully with investigations.
https://twitter.com/TerryPheto/status/1588847729576665088?s=20&t=395YKe674XxfNlNfRbcbJA
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