National Lotteries Commission a criminal enterprise, SIU's Mothibi tells MPs
The SIU was on Wednesday updating the trade and industry committee on the status of its investigation into the National Lotteries Commission.
Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Advocate Andy Mothibi. Picture: SIU/Facebook
CAPE TOWN - Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Andy Mothibi, has described the National Lotteries Commission as a criminal enterprise.
He told Parliament that the more than three-year-long investigation had revealed a web of collusion between lottery officials, former board members, lawyers and non-profit organisations worth at least R1.4 billion.
The SIU was on Wednesday updating the trade and industry committee on the status of its investigation.
High-profile celebrities, including actress Terry Pheto and musician Arthur Mafokate, are among those whose properties have recently been seized in efforts to recover stolen money.
The SIU is now in the third phase of its investigation into corruption at the National Lotteries Commission.
Mothibi said it may be necessary to enter a fourth phase as the allegations continue to pour in.
"The organised crime nature of this requires a meticulous assessment and investigation."
The SIU said that applications to fund creches had been used as a cover for getting funding that was then siphoned off to a variety of individuals and companies.
"All this monies that have been given to the NPOs and NPCs end up not being used for the purpose they were meant for and as a result, beneficiaries are suffering."
The SIU plans to submit an interim report to the president by the end of this month.