Former Gauteng SIU head sentenced for embezzling RAF funds
The RAF made a payment of about R226,000 directly into Kunene’s trust account, in respect of the claim made by the complainant before the former head of the SIU swindled his client.
Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former Gauteng Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Sifiso Kunene, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment, for the theft of trust funds before his tenure at the helm of the SIU.
The Durban specialised commercial crimes court found that while Kunene was an attorney practising under the name Kunene Incorporated, he stole over R170,000 from a Road Accident Fund (RAF) complainant after her fiancé passed away in a motor vehicle accident in 2009.
The RAF made a payment of about R226,000 directly into Kunene’s trust account, in respect of the claim made by the complainant before the former head of the SIU swindled his client.
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The Durban court sentenced Kunene to six years, two of which are suspended for five years, on condition that he is not convicted of theft during the period of suspension.
In court, Kunene denied the allegations against him, shifting the blame to his former business partner.
The state, represented by Advocate Abbey Letsholo, led the evidence of bank statements demonstrating the money moving into and out of Kunene’s bank account for bill payments and school fees.
"Kunene will serve an effective four years in prison. The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter," said NPA KZN Spokesperson Natasha Kara.