The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a freezing order from the Special Tribunal against a property allegedly purchased using funds misappropriated from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
The funds were initially earmarked for community development initiatives.
The tribunal’s order prohibits the sale or transfer of the agricultural holdings property in Centurion, Gauteng, pending the conclusion of civil proceedings to recover the misappropriated funds.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the property is registered under Black Tshisimba (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Collin Tshisimba, who has been implicated in other instances of NLC grant misappropriation, as part of ongoing investigations.
“The SIU’s investigation revealed that Make Me Movement NPO, which received grants totalling approximately R17.5 million from the NLC for cycling development in rural areas, diverted substantial sums to entities linked to Tshisimba and his associates,” Kganyago said.
Key findings of the investigation include:
• R3 million was paid to Thwala Front CC, owned by Fhulufhelo Kharivhe, Tshisimba’s life partner, within days of receiving NLC funds.
• R1 million was transferred to Black Tshisimba (Pty) Ltd, which was later used to purchase the frozen property.
• Over R8 million of the initial R14 million grant disbursed to companies controlled by respondents, despite their lack of affiliation with the NPO.
• The NLC deposited the second tranche of R3 558 400.00, which had a balance of R1 371.35 before this deposit. From January to April 2019, a total of R2 500 000.00 was allocated in instalments for property purchases. This amount was distributed as R2.5 million to Thwala Front CC, along with an additional R1 million.
Kganyago said the freezing order of the Special Tribunal is part of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions due to corruption or negligence.
“The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects. The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” Kganyago explained. – SAnews.gov.za
