LOTTO HEIST SAGA DEVELOPS

Written by: Kwena Seema

In the presentation tabled before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry on Wednesday, 14 February 2024, to give an update on the investigation.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU)  revealed new investigation findings it is on the verge of solving the R1.4 billion case of alleged corruption linked to High-profile people implicated in the SIU probe including popular actress Moitheri Terry Pheto, star of “Tsotsi”, her sister Dimakatso and her fashion designer friend Thula Sindi.

During the presentation the SIU head, Andy Mothibi, described the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) as a criminal operation, revealing a web of illicit activity and complicity involving senior commission members, legal representatives, and the fund’s beneficiaries, which consists of the non-profit organizations.

He said this kind of investigation required a “meticulous assessment and investigation”.

Furthermore, The SIU also presented to Parliament how the South African Youth Movement (SAYM) applied for grant funding on behalf of the Presley Chweneyagae Foundation, which belongs to award-winning actor, Presley Chweneyagae.

The investigation further revealed that the NLC approved grant funding of R5 million to Zibisibix Non-Profit Company for a chicken farm in December 2018.

After receiving the R5 million, The Star reported that money was moved from the bank account and payments were made to different bank accounts, including that of Black Planet Trading, whose director is Sindi. The company was paid R140,000.

The farm was purchased for R850,000, and the SIU found that the former chairperson of the NLC board, Professor Alfred Nevhutanda signed the offer to purchase the farm in Vaal.

More evidence revealed that the farm was purchased for the benefit of Dimakatso Pheto, who is Terry’s sister.

#SIUWorkingForYou|LOTTO HEIST: SIU completes 90% of phase two in the NLC investigation and makes new revelations. (Infographics to follow) pic.twitter.com/7eAY8u3KUR

— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 14, 2024

He said this kind of investigation required a “meticulous assessment and investigation”.