Pretoria: 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 finalisation of a civil case against him. The civil case pertains to the alleged illegal disbursement of approximately R6 million in NLC funds, which Dlamini allegedly signed off to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation.

According to South African Government News Agency, the SIU’s investigation uncovered that an NLC-funded project, specifically a sports complex, was never initiated. Essential supporting documents, such as progress reports and financial statements, were found to be falsified. The SIU noted that Dlamini played a crucial role in the irregular disbursement of R3 million to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation by co-signing a fraudulent progress report without verifying the site or accompanying documentation, which facilitated the unlawful payout.

The corruption-busting unit detailed its reasoning for seeking a court order to freeze Dlamini’s pension, emphasizing the need to limit the risk of a hollow judgment if funds were released. The SIU expressed concerns that Dlamini might not have sufficient assets to cover future claims. Therefore, the interdict prevents 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.

The court has directed Liberty’s Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Fund, the fourth respondent in the case, to assess and disclose the value of Dlamini’s pension within 60 days. This measure aims to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery should the SIU succeed in its claim.