Special Investigating Unit- South Africa

Special Investigating Unit- South Africa Special Investigating Unit(SIU) is an independent statutory body that is accountable to the President

 | SIU OBTAINS JUDGMENT SETTING ASIDE R9 MILLION NLC GRANT FOR SPORTS COMPLEX IN SOWETO THAT WAS NEVER BUILTThe Special ...
29/07/2026

| SIU OBTAINS JUDGMENT SETTING ASIDE R9 MILLION NLC GRANT FOR SPORTS COMPLEX IN SOWETO THAT WAS NEVER BUILT

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a judgment delivered by the Special Tribunal, declaring unlawful and invalid the National Lotteries Commission’s (NLC) R9 million grant to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation for the construction of a sports complex in Protea Glen, Soweto, Johannesburg, which was never built.

The Tribunal set aside the grant agreement and ordered Mr Jeremane Petrus Sedibe, whom the SIU identified as the mastermind behind the scheme, together with Motheo, former NLC officials, associated individuals and entities involved in the unlawful conduct, to jointly and severally repay R6 million.

The first two tranches (total R6 million) were released, but the third tranche was withheld because the SIU investigation revealed that the funds had been diverted and the sports complex was never constructed. The falsified progress report and irregular approvals meant the NLC could not justify releasing the final tranche.

The Tribunal also upheld its previous preservation order preventing former NLC employee Mr Sanele Dlamini, who approved a second tranche of R3 million payment to Motheo, from accessing his pension fund until the SIU recovers the misused funds in full. Dlamini was ordered to cover the legal costs for the pension preservation order handed down on 10 June 2025.

The judgment follows an SIU investigation that found that Motheo’s original application for more than R61.6 million was unsuccessful after the NLC approved only R70,000, which the non-profit organisation (NPO) declined.

Despite this, on 14 April 2021, five months later, former NLC Grant Funding Projects Manager Mr Marubini Ramatsekisa recommended that Motheo receive R9 million through the NLC’s proactive funding process. The recommendation was approved by former Acting Chief Operations Officer (COO) Mr Nkhesho Njoni.

On 24 May 2021, Mr Tebogo Joseph Mohlala, the Director of Motheo, and Ms Nonhlanhla Matshazi, co-director of Londilox NPC, signed a grant agreement with the NLC, for which payments were to be made in three tranches.

The investigation found that after the first R3 million payment on 9 June 2021:
• R950,000 was transferred to PSKO (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Sedibe;
• R500,000 was transferred to Londilox NPC, co-directed by Matshazi;
• R400,000 was paid to Synercon (Pty) Ltd;
• Between June and August 2021, there were teller cash withdrawals totalling R750,000; ATM withdrawals totalling R282,850; and purchases, bank charges and other transfers totalling R117,150.

The investigation further established that a progress report prepared by Ms Ziphozinhle Khoza of SRSQS Quantity Surveyors and approved by her boss, Mr Marito Mabunda, falsely portrayed construction progress and expenditure, covering 9 June 2021 to 30 November 2021.

Based on the evidence, the SIU found a prima facie case of fraud, theft and corruption against Sedibe, Motheo, Matshazi, Khoza and others involved in the scheme.
The Judge has since ordered Motheo, Ramatsekisa, Njoni, Mohlala, Sedibe, Moadi, Dlamini, Matshazi, PSKO and 2MC to jointly and severally repay the sum of R6 million.

The Tribunal ordered:
• Londilox NPC and Matshazi to repay R500,000 jointly and severally;
• Synercon to repay R400,000;
• PSKO to repay R950,000;
• 2MC to repay R382,205; and
• Mohlala, Sedibe and Matshazi, as signatories to Motheo’s bank account, to repay R1,644, 795, representing funds withdrawn or spent directly from the account.
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU, through Proclamation R32 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the National Lotteries Commission and to recover financial losses suffered by the State.

The Tribunal’s orders form part of the SIU’s ongoing efforts to implement investigation outcomes, recover public funds lost through corruption and strengthen consequence management across the public sector.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

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 | SIU SECURED ORDER TO FREEZE FORMER PRASA CEO'S PROPERTIES LINKED TO A R5.6 BILLION IT TENDERThe Special Investigating...
26/07/2026

| SIU SECURED ORDER TO FREEZE FORMER PRASA CEO'S PROPERTIES LINKED TO A R5.6 BILLION IT TENDER

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal ordering the preservation of two multimillion-rand properties linked to former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr Tshepo Lucky Montana.

The order prohibits Montana from selling, transferring, leasing, encumbering or otherwise dealing with the properties pending the final determination of SIU’s civil proceedings.

The preserved assets comprise:
• a Hurlingham, Johannesburg property purchased at R13.5 million; and
• a Waterkloof, Pretoria property purchased at R2.25 million.
The Tribunal further directed the Registrar of Deeds to endorse the title deeds with caveats to prevent any unauthorised transactions involving the properties.

The preservation order follows an SIU investigation which uncovered a direct and uninterrupted money trail linking the acquisition of both properties to proceeds allegedly derived from association with PRASA’s R5.6 billion Integrated Security Access Management System (ISAMS) contract awarded to Siyangena Technologies (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of TMM Holdings.

This contract involved the installation, supply, and maintenance of ISAMS at various train stations, part of a pilot project aimed at upgrading specific stations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup to reduce fare evasion and to cater for the anticipated volumes of commuters during the tournament.

The equipment included public address systems, access gates, and electronic display boards to enhance the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of the public rail commuter system, which PRASA is legally obligated to provide and maintain.

Due to budget constraints, not all stations were upgraded. However, a decision was made to proceed with the pilot project to extend to other remaining “World Cup 2010” stations, with Siyangena as the contractor.

On 1 April 2011, PRASA awarded the first ISAMS contract to Siyangena, amounting to R1,959,642,352.99 for “Phase 1”. Four contracts, including extensions, were concluded between PRASA and Siyangena over the years regarding the ISAMS.

By April 2016, the total value of Siyangena’s ISAMS contracts had reached R5,632,604,592.36.
The SIU’s investigation found that Montana’s legitimate income could not account for the purchase of either property now subjected to a preservation order.

Instead, bank records showed that the funds were directly connected to payments made by companies within the TMM group and Precise Trade and Invest 02 (Pty) Ltd. The Director of Precise Trade and Invest was also the lawyer representing the TMM group of companies.

Waterkloof property

The SIU investigation found that Precise Trade and Invest's bank records show that on 18 June 2014, the company received two payments, including R1.850 million from ESS (Pty) Ltd, which is part of the TMM group of companies, and R4 million from TMM Holdings.

Precise Trade and Invest then transferred R2.25 million to a Waterkloof property transferring attorneys. The Waterkloof property was subsequently purchased and transferred into Montana’s name in 2014.

Hurlingham property

The SIU investigation also established that the Hurlingham property was acquired through a series of linked transactions involving Precise Trade and Invest, Midtownbrace (Pty) Ltd (a company incorporated in Botswana) and TMM Holdings.

Evidence shows that:
• on 23 March 2015, Precise Trade and Invest transferred R2 million to the transferring attorneys’ trust account;
• on 23 April 2015, Siyangena transferred R13 million to TMM Holdings after receiving substantial contract payments from PRASA;
• on the same day, TMM Holdings transferred R12 million to Midtownbrace, whose account previously reflected a zero balance; and
• Midtownbrace then transferred R11.5 million to the transferring attorneys, enabling the purchase of the Hurlingham property, which was registered in Montana’s name in July 2015 for R13.5 million. The house that was on the property was demolished by Montana.
The Tribunal has since directed the respondents to appear on 11 August 2026 to show why the interim preservation order should not be made final. The Tribunal also ordered that the main proceedings against Montana must be instituted within 30 days of the order.

The SIU is investigating PRASA in terms of Proclamation R.153 of 2024, which authorises investigations into allegations of maladministration and corruption relating to PRASA’s affairs between 1 January 2010 and 16 February 2024.

The SIU welcomes the Tribunal order and regards the decision as an important step in safeguarding assets pending the finalisation of civil recovery proceedings. The Unit remains committed to recovering financial losses suffered by the State, holding those responsible accountable, and protecting public resources from corruption.

Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU is empowered to institute civil proceedings in the High Court or Special Tribunal to recover financial losses and set aside unlawful contracts and transactions arising from its investigations.

Any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation is referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for consideration and further action.

 | SIU WELCOMES SPECIAL TRIBUNAL JUDGMENT SETTING ASIDE R4 MILLION NLC GRANT TO MSHANDUKANI FOUNDATIONThe Special Invest...
22/07/2026

| SIU WELCOMES SPECIAL TRIBUNAL JUDGMENT SETTING ASIDE R4 MILLION NLC GRANT TO MSHANDUKANI FOUNDATION

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the judgment handed down by the Special Tribunal, declaring the National Lotteries Commission’s (NLC) decision to award a R4 million grant to the Mshandukani Foundation unlawful, reviewing and setting it aside, and ordering the repayment of the funds together with interest.

The Tribunal ordered that:
• The NLC’s decision to award the R4 million grant under Project M12663 is declared invalid and reviewed and set aside.
• The grant agreement between the NLC and the Mshandukani Foundation is declared invalid and void.
• The foundation’s corporate veil be pierced and that the foundation’s separate legal personality is disregarded;
• The Mshandukani Foundation, Ms Pretty Shandukani, Mr Takalani Israel Mulandana, Ms Thambatshira Maria Khameli and Preldon Construction repay the R4 million jointly and severally; and
• R4 million to bear interest of 10.75% per annum from the date the application was instituted until payment.
The order follows an SIU investigation which uncovered serious irregularities in the award and use of the grant, revealing that the funding application was based on a project that had already been completed several years earlier and that the grant funds were diverted to entities linked to the foundation’s leadership.

The SIU’s investigation found that the Mshandukani Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO), applied in February 2019 for grant funding of R4,708,000 to implement a community development project aimed at providing clean water to communities in the Eastern Cape.

The application, signed by the Mshandukani Foundation’s Chairperson, Pretty Shandukani, to the NLC indicated that the project would benefit 8 015 vulnerable people and create 15 part-time jobs. It also included operational costs such as salaries, stipends, audit fees, bank charges and travel expenses.

Former NLC Chief Operating Officer Phillemon Letwaba approved the application on 12 March 2019 and notified the foundation that its application had been successful. On the same day, Ms Shandukani signed the grant agreement.

On 20 March 2019, the NLC transferred R4 million into the foundation’s bank account. At the time, the SIU found that the account held a balance of only R6,004.87 and was controlled by Ms Shandukani and her husband, Mr Mashudu Mshandukani.

The SIU’s financial investigation traced the movement of the grant funds and found that they were redirected to entities linked to the foundation’s leadership and individuals associated with the NLC.

The SIU also established that the 2016 borehole installations had been carried out by Mshandukani Holdings (Pty) Ltd, owned by Mr Mshandukani, and not under the 2019 NLC-funded project.
The R4 million grant was distributed to various individuals and organisations, including R3.6 million paid to Preldon Construction CC, a company owned by Ms Mshandukani. Additionally, from the R3.6 million, R500,000 was paid by Preldon Construction to Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Mr Letwaba’s wife, Ms Rebotile Malomane, and R550,000 was paid by Preldon Construction to Mshandukani Holdings, purportedly as a loan.
Furthermore, Preldon Construction made several payments: R700,000 to Mshandukani Foundation, R2.1 million to Mshandukani Holdings, R150,000 to an associate, and R120,000 to Mr Mshandukani's personal account. Additionally, R39,675 was paid to Rocbit Drilling Equipment.
A quantity surveyor appointed during the investigation found that the borehole work itself was of poor quality. The investigation also established that Engcobo Local Municipality had no legal authority over the schools and clinics because responsibility for water services rests with the Chris Hani District Municipality in terms of the Water Services Act.

Furthermore, the Mshandukani Foundation lacked the necessary approvals under the South African Schools Act and had failed to consult the Department of Basic Education as required.
The SIU also discovered that two employees of Mshandukani Holdings, a geologist intern and a receptionist, had been listed as members of the foundation without their knowledge or consent.

The SIU found that neither the foundation, Mr Letwaba, Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events, nor Ms Malomane had provided any explanation for how the grant funds were used.

The Tribunal noted that the SIU has referred the Tribunal to three additional matters involving parties implicated in these proceedings.

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU, through Proclamation R32 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the National Lotteries Commission and to recover financial losses suffered by the State.

The Tribunal’s orders form part of the SIU’s ongoing efforts to implement investigation outcomes, recover public funds lost through corruption and strengthen consequence management across the public sector.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

 | SIU WELCOMES DISMISSAL OF MPUMALANGA STATE ACCOUNTANT OVER COVID-19 PPE CORRUPTIONThe Special Investigating Unit (SIU...
16/07/2026

| SIU WELCOMES DISMISSAL OF MPUMALANGA STATE ACCOUNTANT OVER COVID-19 PPE CORRUPTION

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the dismissal of Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport official, Mr Jacob Bandile Ngcobo, following an SIU investigation that uncovered corruption linked to the procurement of COVID-19 disinfection services during the National State of Disaster.

The SIU investigation revealed that Ngcobo, who worked as a State Accountant for Property and Facilities in the department, had an inappropriate and corrupt relationship with a service provider, Superia Services Trading.

Superia Services Trading, owned by Ms Tshidi Suzan Sedibe, benefited from department-awarded contracts. In February 2019, Superia Services Trading was appointed to provide pest control services at government buildings in the Gert Sibande District Municipality.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Superia Services Trading provided disinfection services. The department paid the company a total of R3,758,206.53 between July 2020 and September 2021.

SIU analysis revealed that shortly after Superia Services Trading received funds from the department, payments were made to Ngcobo via “cash send”. Between August 2020 and March 2021, Ngcobo received R28,000 from the company.

Ngcobo played a key role in selecting and appointing service providers, including Superia Services Trading, for disinfection services. He failed to declare the financial benefit received from the company, creating a conflict of interest.

Based on these findings, the SIU referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution and recommended disciplinary action against Ngcobo and five other officials in November 2021. Ngcobo and Sedibe now face corruption charges in the Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela following the SIU’s referral to the NPA.

In July 2024, the Mpumalanga High Court granted a preservation order to seize assets worth about R52.6 million, linked to an alleged corruption network involving 22 officials, service providers, and entities in the department. Ngcobo’s bank accounts, assets, and bail money were frozen under the order.

The investigation forms part of the SIU’s broader probe into COVID-19 procurement under Proclamation R23 of 2020, which authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration and irregular expenditure relating to the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The SIU welcomes the department’s decisive action to dismiss Ngcobo for abusing his position and unlawfully benefiting from funds intended to protect South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said SIU Acting Head, Mr Leonard Lekgetho.

“This outcome demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and accounting officers in ensuring that officials implicated in corruption are held accountable. We encourage all government departments and public institutions to act decisively on SIU recommendations to strengthen governance and protect public resources.”

The SIU is empowered under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996), to investigate allegations of corruption, fraud and maladministration, recover financial losses suffered by the State through civil litigation, and refer evidence of criminal conduct to the relevant prosecuting authorities.

 | The President signed one new proclamation and amended two exiting proclamations, authorising the SIU to investigate p...
14/07/2026

| The President signed one new proclamation and amended two exiting proclamations, authorising the SIU to investigate procurement contracts in the Free State Department of Education, Umzumbe Local Municipality and Greater Kokstad Local Municipality (both in KZN). What is a proclamation and what powers does it give the SIU?

SIU AUTHORISED TO INVESTIGATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE SCHOOLS IN THE FREE STATE; AMENDMENTS MADE TO THE GREAT KOKSTAD ...
13/07/2026

SIU AUTHORISED TO INVESTIGATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE SCHOOLS IN THE FREE STATE; AMENDMENTS MADE TO THE GREAT KOKSTAD MUNICIPALITY INVESTIGATION

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation 325 of 2026, authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct in the affairs of the Free State Department of Education. The President has also signed the amendment of Proclamation 244 of 2025, which relates to the procurement of software licences and information technology (IT) service desk solutions at the Great Kokstad Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

Proclamation 325 of 2026

Proclamation 325 of 2026 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State in relation to the affairs of the Free State Department of Education.

The investigation will review the procurement and contracting processes for construction services performed by or on behalf of the department from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation.

It will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State in relation to and any related matters, projects at:
• Caleb Motshabi (formerly Thuto Ke Thebe) Primary School
• Malebogo Primary School
• Tlholo Primary School

In addition, the SIU will assess whether the procurement processes complied with applicable legislation, National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, as well as the department’s procurement policies and procedures.

The investigation will further examine any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the department, service providers, or any other individuals or entities involved.
It will also include any related conduct involving the same persons, entities or contracts identified during the investigation.

Amendment to Proclamation 244 of 2025

Meanwhile, the President has also signed a notice amending Proclamation 244 of 2025.
The original proclamation, published on 31 January 2025, authorised the SIU to investigate the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services by or on behalf of the Great Kokstad Local Municipality, and any payments made in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective.

The investigation covers:
• Bid GKM 19-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply and renew software licences for a period of three years; and
• Bid GKM 16-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply customer care and IT service desk solution for a period of three years.
It also investigates any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, service providers, suppliers, or any other person or entity during the period under investigation.

The amendment extends the investigation period to commence on 5 June 2020 instead of 1 January 2022 and continue until the date of publication of the amended proclamation.

It further expands the scope of the investigation to include:
• Bid GKM 43-19/20 for the supply and delivery of laptops and desktop computers; and
• Bid GKM 14-20/21 for the supply and renewal of software licences.
The SIU is mandated to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct and any related corruption or fraud, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.

In terms of the Act No. 74 of 1996, the SIU is empowered to investigate matters referred to it by the President and to institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations.

The SIU may also recover financial losses suffered by the State arising from acts of corruption, fraud, maladministration or any other unlawful conduct identified during these investigations.

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA AMENDS SIU PROCLAMATION FOR UMZUMBE MUNICIPALITY CORRUPTION INVESTIGATIONPresident Cyril Ramaphosa h...
10/07/2026

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA AMENDS SIU PROCLAMATION FOR UMZUMBE MUNICIPALITY CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation Notice 327 of 2026, amending Proclamation 183 of 2024, which mandated the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the Umzumbe Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

The original Proclamation 183 of 2024, published on 13 September 2024, authorised the SIU to investigate allegations including serious maladministration, unlawful expenditure of public funds, procurement irregularities, and corruption related to several municipal projects between 1 January 2013 and the date of publication.

The projects consist of:
• constructing municipal offices
• rehabilitating roads,
• building the Isipofu Access Road,
• building the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre,
• building the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre.

In addition, the projects include the Ntatshana Access Road and Bridge, as well as a Three-Year Electrification Turnkey Project.

The amendment, published in the Government Gazette on 10 July 2026, makes two key changes to the original Proclamation. The original proclamation incorrectly cited the tender number for the Nkanini Indoor Sports Centre, as the tender number changed during the award process. This amendment corrects the tender number.

It also extends the investigation period, meaning the timeframe for the SIU’s investigation has been extended to the date of publication of the amendment.

This will enable the Unit to continue investigating any new matters that may have arisen and are relevant to the original terms of reference.

The SIU is empowered, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996), to investigate, institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal, and recover any financial losses suffered by the State.

Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

SIU NOTES SANEF’S MEDIA STATEMENT THAT MISPRESENTS THE NLC INVESTIGATION The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has noted ...
03/07/2026

SIU NOTES SANEF’S MEDIA STATEMENT THAT MISPRESENTS THE NLC INVESTIGATION

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has noted a misrepresentation of facts in the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) media statement on its former chairperson, Makhudu Sefara, to whom the SIU traced the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funds to his business, Unscripted Communications, and to his personal bank accounts.

Without providing the public with context or the full picture of the contents of a letter sent by Sefara’s legal representative, SANEF’s media statement gives the impression that the SIU has exonerated Sefara as a beneficiary of NLC funds. This is not a reflection of the letter sent to his lawyers.

SANEF states it has seen the letter that the SIU sent to Sefara’s legal representatives. The SIU’s letter set out the following facts:

• Todi Media’s director, Daniel Makwela, failed to provide evidence of how the R1.5 million NLC grant was used. Instead, he offered to repay R1.1 million. The SIU rejected the offer and demanded a full account of the funds in a sworn affidavit, along with supporting documents, before considering any settlement.
• When Todi Media could not account for the funds, it offered to repay the full R1.5 million as the final settlement.
• The SIU findings showed payments of R900 000 to Black Dungaree and R550 000 to Unscripted Communication (Sefara’s company).

The SIU explicitly stated: “Unscripted Communication was never a subject of the SIU investigation and as such there is no finding against your client nor his company.” However, as part of the SIU investigation, the money was followed and found in Sefara’s business and personal bank accounts. Furthermore, Todi Media could not produce any agreement to justify the payment made to Unscripted Communication, a day after receiving money from the NLC.

The SIU confirmed it had no claim against Unscripted Communication and that liability rested solely with Todi Media, which refunded the entire grant. However, the SIU did not say that Sefara did not benefit from the funds, as Todi Media or Makwela could not provide any evidence of how the funds were utilised, as stated in the grant application.

The SIU denied publishing “offending statements” about Mr Sefara or his company, stressing that its media statement was a factual account of Todi Media's misuse of NLC funds. The SIU emphasised that the onus was on Todi Media to demonstrate how the funds were utilised. Instead, Todi Media opted for repayment in full and final settlement.

These facts demonstrate that SANEF’s statement misrepresented SIU’s position. The SIU did not investigate or exonerate Sefara as a beneficiary. The Unit’s communications were confined to Todi Media’s misuse of NLC funds and its “voluntary” repayment.

All of these facts were explained to Sefara when he had a meeting with the SIU.

By ignoring these clear points, SANEF’s statement misled the public and undermined the integrity of the SIU’s work. The SIU remains committed to protecting the public interest by recovering misused state funds.

LIMPOPO COUNCILLOR ARRESTED FOR THEFT AFTER SECURING BAIL IN SIU ATTEMPTED BRIBERY CASE IN NORTH WESTNetshivhumbe Gumani...
29/06/2026

LIMPOPO COUNCILLOR ARRESTED FOR THEFT AFTER SECURING BAIL IN SIU ATTEMPTED BRIBERY CASE IN NORTH WEST

Netshivhumbe Gumani, a 34-year-old councillor from Thulamela Municipality, arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe an investigator from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in order to manipulate the outcome of an ongoing investigation at Mahikeng Local Municipality, was granted bail of R10,000 by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng. Gumani is scheduled to appear in court again on 18 September 2026.

Gumani was arrested in Mahikeng after allegedly attempting to bribe an SIU investigator with R70,000 to obstruct justice in the ongoing investigation into tenders at the Mahikeng Local Municipality. It is alleged that Gumani was facilitating the bribe on behalf of Anacot Trading, a company associated with questionable financial activities involving municipal contracts.

The SIU investigation, under Proclamation R213 of 2024, found that the appointed service provider received approximately R179 million from Mahikeng Municipality for two lease agreements. Immediately after receiving the payment, the service provider transferred R28 million to Anacot Trading, owned by Shahzaad Mohamed Hussein.

When the SIU contacted Hussein to explain why he received R28 million, he allegedly sent Gumani to the SIU to influence the outcome of the investigation.

Reacting to Gumani’s release on bail, the Acting Head of the SIU, Leonard Lekgetho, said:

“While we acknowledge the court’s decision to grant bail, we remain confident in the strength of the case before the court. The alleged attempt to bribe an SIU investigator is a serious attack on the integrity of South Africa’s justice system and on the fight against corruption. No amount of intimidation or inducement will deter the SIU from fulfilling its mandate. We commend the investigator for acting with professionalism and integrity, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the matter is prosecuted to its conclusion”.

Immediately after securing his release on bail, Gumani was arrested by the Makhado police on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence. The charges stem from allegations that Gumani solicited funds from several businesspeople in Limpopo to finance political activities linked to the 2014 youth league conference in Sekhukhune District.

For reference: https://www.facebook.com/RSASIU/posts/pfbid022vy8DVwYyzoVg6WBSs1wR5davQ6LWgwwJMRfX3n4Rsjx37e6A6EkXFpGxyadCPHCl

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