The Special Tribunal has granted the Investigating Unit (SIU) a preservation order to freeze a residential property in Hesteapark, Pretoria, linked to the late actor Presley Chweneyagae, his spouse and several other respondents in an alleged National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption case.
The SIU has in a statement released on Tuesday indicated that the order, handed down by Judge Victor directed against Chwenenyagae’s widow Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae, in her personal capacity and as Executrix of her late husband’s estate, as well as Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla, the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, and others.
SIU National spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said that their primary mission is to recover proceeds from beneficiaries of NLC grant funding who are involved in unlawful activities, thereby restoring the State’s financial losses.
“The order prohibits any sale, transfer, lease, encumbrance, or disposal of a home in Pretoria, Gauteng, pending the finalisation of civil proceedings to be instituted by the SIU within 60 court days. It also seeks to protect public funds allegedly diverted from an NLC grant intended to uplift young artists.” Said Kganyago
He further indicated that “The order prevents the sale, transfer, leasing or disposal of a house in Hesteapark, Pretoria, pending the outcome of civil proceedings the SIU intends to institute within 60 court days.”
According to the SIU, the property was allegedly purchased using about R889, 000 syphoned from a R15m NLC grant meant for youth arts programmes.
“The SIU’s investigation found that the grant was approved for the Southern African Youth Movement NPO — represented by Sigudla — and subsequently channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, a company solely owned by the late Presley Chweneyagae, to acquire the private residence.” He further explained
The SIU is empowered to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address any wrongdoing it identifies, in accordance with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996. Any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during investigations will be forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further legal action.
Authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa through Proclamation R32 of 2020, the SIU is devoted to investigating corruption and maladministration allegations within the NLC and to recovering financial losses incurred by the State.
“The order from the Special Tribunal represents an important step in the SIU’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.” He emphasised
Meanwhile, Chweneyagae died on May 27, at the age of 40, after experiencing breathing problems.
