Cape Town – South African actress Terry Pheto’s Joburg house worth around R5 million went on auction on Thursday following the outcome of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into Lotto funding.
The development came after the Pretoria High Court granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and SIU a preservation order to freeze Pheto’s Bryanston home, said SIU.
The SIU alleged that the Tsotsi star’s Joburg home was built with funds linked to siphoning of the National Lottery Commission (NLC) grant funding.
Taking to Twitter the SIU said it is mandated to recover any financial losses suffered by the State or the NLC.
“The auction follows a preservation order granted by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, to the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on November 4, 2022 to freeze Pheto’s Bryanston home,” the SIU said.
“The SIU investigations have found that the money used for the purchase of the land and construction of the home came from non-profit organisations that received NLC funding meant for the roll-out of a public campaign and culturally sensitive medical intervention projects aimed at achieving traditional circumcision practice,” it said.
In line with the SIU Act, the SIU is mandated to recover any financial losses suffered by the State or the NLC.#SIUWorkingForYou pic.twitter.com/af9EK8AJGD
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) March 2, 2023
Auction house Asset Auctions said before the auction that the house bidding will start at R3 million and go as high as R6 million.
Pheto initially denied any of the accusations leveled against her and said she was shocked to discover that she was the subject of an SIU probe into allegations of fraud.
However, it is alleged the actress later volunteered information for the investigation in exchange for mercy, reported City Press.
Others implicated in the lotto funds looting were lawyer Lesley Ramulifho, Collin Mukondeleli Tshisimba, Fulufhelo Promise Kharivhe, AO Residence Trust represented by Mashudu Shandukani, Rasemate Family Trust represented by Rebotile Malomane, Mojakgomo Family Trust represented Thabang Charlotte Mampane (ex-lotteries boss), Unbrand properties represented by Sthembiso Jim Skosana, and Just Cuban Trust represented by Botshelo Cornelius Moloto, reported IOL.
Last year, the SIU obtained a preservation order from the High Court of South Africa to seize luxury houses, cars and two Ocean Basket franchises, The Citizen reported.
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Picture: Twitter/ @TerryPheto
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
