By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order against the R2.8 million pension payout of former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) chief operating officer, Philemon Letwaba.
The order, dated September 16, 2022, prohibits Liberty Group, the pension administrator, from paying pension benefits worth approximately R2.8 million owed to Letwaba.
According to SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, the investigation has thus far revealed that Letwaba “personally benefitted” from NLC funding directed to at least six non-profit organisations.
Letwaba “used friends and family businesses and trusts” to receive the money.
“In one of several NLC funded projects investigated by the SIU, it was revealed that a Limpopo-based NPO received approximately R25 million for the refurbishment of a torched school in Vuwani.
“Twelve days after the NPO received the money, it transferred approximately R4 million to Unbrand Properties without evidence of work being done and in violation of the funding agreement,” Kganyago said.
Letwaba’s funds have been frozen pending the finalisation of the SIU’s application at the Special Tribunal.
In June this year, the SIU obtained a freezing order against the R27 million luxury property owned by former NLC board chairperson, Prof Alfred Nevhutanda’s investment company, Vhuthanda Investment.
Nevhutanda reportedly bought the home with grant funding monies from NPOs.
The SIU, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, was authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement in NLC affairs and the conduct of NLC officials, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the Condition.
The proclamation covers crimes that occurred between January 1, 2014 and November 6, 2020, the date of publication of this Proclamation, or that occurred before January 1, 2014.