SIU Freezes Pension of Ex-Lotteries Manager Amid R6 Million Fraud Investigation

Johannesburg: The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a court order to prevent former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) senior manager, Sanele Dlamini, from accessing his pension benefits until the conclusion of a civil case against him. According to South African Government News Agency, the civil case involves allegations of illegal disbursement of approximately R6 million in NLC funds, which Dlamini is accused of signing off to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation. The SIU's investigation revealed that an NLC-funded project intended to develop a sports complex was never initiated, with supporting documents, including progress reports and financial statements, being falsified. The SIU stated that Dlamini facilitated the irregular disbursement of R3 million to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation. He allegedly co-signed a fraudulent progress report without verifying the site or documentation, which allowed for the unlawful payout. The unit sought a freezing order from the cour ts to prevent the risk of a hollow judgment should funds be released, expressing concerns that Dlamini may not have adequate assets to meet future claims. The court's interdict bars Dlamini from accessing his pension benefits until the SIU's primary case, a civil recovery action related to the misallocation of R6 million in NLC grant funds, is resolved. Additionally, Liberty's Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Fund, cited as the fourth respondent, has been instructed to evaluate and disclose the value of Dlamini's pension within 60 days. This measure aims to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery if the SIU's claim is successful.