Special Investigative Unit.
JOHANNESBURG - The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured the repayment of R3.2 million misappropriated from the National Lotteries Commission.
The recoveries relate to two non-profit company (NPO)- Todi Media Development Foundation NPC and Zibsiflo NPC, both linked to Khuto Daniel Makwela, who admitted to the misuse of the funds and signed an Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD).
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According to the SIU, Todi Media Development Foundation NPC repaid R1.5-million, while Zibsiflo NPC returned R1.71-million.
A pattern of misuse
The SIU said investigations revealed that a coordinated scheme in which funds meant for the upliftment of the community were allegedly diverted into private pockets and property purchases.
“The same network of individuals misused grants intended for media development and women’s soccer clinics,” the SIU said.
Todi Media: How media grants were misused
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Zibsiflo :From upliftment to enrichment
However, SIU found that funds were diverted shortly after being disbursed.
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In terms of its mandate, SIU said it will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The unit said it is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered.