The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a court order preventing former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) senior manager, Sanele Dlamini, from accessing his pension benefits until the finalization of a civil case against him.
The civil case relates to the alleged illegal disbursement of some R6 million in NLC funds signed off by Dlamini to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation.
“The SIU’s investigation revealed that an NLC-funded project – a sports complex – was never initiated, and supporting documents, including progress reports and financial statements, were falsified.
“Mr Dlamini, who facilitated the irregular disbursement of R3 million to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation, co-signed the fraudulent progress report without verifying the site or documentation, enabling the unlawful payout,” the SIU said in a statement.
The corruption busting unit explained that it turned to the courts for a freezing order to “limit the risk of a hollow judgment if funds were released, noting concerns that Mr. Dlamini may lack sufficient assets to satisfy future claims”.
“The interdict bars Mr. Dlamini from accessing his pension benefits until the SIU’s main case, a civil recovery action tied to the misallocation of R6 million in NLC grant funds, is concluded.
“The fourth respondent, Liberty’s Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Fund, has been directed to assess and disclose the value of Dlamini’s pension within 60 days. This preservation is intended to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery should the SIU succeed in its claim,” the statement read.
