The Special Investigating Unit(SIU)has been granted a preservation order to interdict R500,000 pension payout for a former National Lotteries Commission official Sibonelo Vilakazi worked as Client Liaison Officer in the KwaZulu-Natal branch.
The SIU statement mentioned that the preservation order stems from an SIU investigation, in which Mr Vilakazi exploited his position to enable his spouse, Ms Nosipho Zanele Zuma, to receive 48 payments totalling R31.2 million from entities benefiting from NLC grants. The funds were funneled through Ms Zuma's company, ZZET Enterprises, and purchased luxury vehicles and properties, including two Toyota Quantum's, a Toyota Hilux, and two real estate properties.
The statement said a report by the Financial Intelligence Centre states that 05 ZZET Enterprises received multiple electronic fund transfer payments from several care centres and football clubs of approximately R32 259 707.00. SIU investigations show that more than 400 care centres and football clubs made payments to accounts linked to Vilakazi and Zuma from money received from the NLC between 2019 and 2023.
The statement revealed that previously, the SIU obtained an order to freeze approximately R2.4 million held in four bank accounts linked to Vilakazi and Zuma.
The statement also mentioned that on the recommendation of the SIU, the NLC initiated a disciplinary process. The disciplinary process, conducted from November 29,2023 to August 1,2024, found Mr Vilakazi guilty of all charges and dismissed him on October 4,2024, marking a decisive step in addressing his gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breaches of fiduciary duty.
The statement emphasised that the SIU will continue to pursue officials who resign or are dismissed in the face of an investigation by freezing their pension benefits and instituting civil litigation to recover financial losses suffered by the State institutions.
The statement clarified that the SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NLC and the conduct of NLC officials and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.