The Asset Forfeiture Unit has secured a preservation order for properties which they believe were obtained through the proceeds of crime.
Lumka Mahanjana of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the order related to the investigation into allegations of corruption and maladministration at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
She says under preservation are nine luxury residential estates valued at over R22 million rand, luxury cars and two Ocean Basket franchises.
Mahanjana says the next step will be to secure a forfeiture order.
The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) revealed that the acquisition of the properties was funded by the Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) with money they had received, under the auspices of grant funding, from the NLC.
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.
One of the individuals implicated by the SIU is South African Actress Terry Pheto who starred in the Oscar-winning South African film Tsotsi.
The others are Lesly Ramulifho, Collin Mukondeleli Tshisimba, Fulufhelo Promise Kharivhe and two family trusts.
The NPA's Mahanjana said criminal cases are now being investigated against implicated individuals including the NLC former chief financial officer Philemon Letwaba, chief executive officer Lesley Ramulifho and the attorney who did legal work for NLC.
“The NPA wants to assure the public that it is relentless in its fight against organised crime, including those employees in government institutions who steal from the most vulnerable to enrich themselves and fund their opulent lifestyles,” Mahanjana said.
— Terry Pheto (@TerryPheto) November 5, 2022
