Retraction statement: no restraint order or fraud charges against those erroneously named as accused persons

Retraction statement: no restraint order or fraud charges against those erroneously named as accused persons

On 07 June 2023, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued a press statement about the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) having obtained a provisional restraint order against the property of Walter Qusheka (Walter), who was at all material times the director of Garden to Floors PTY LTD, trading as Qush cleaning services (Qush), a company implicated in corruption at the University of Fort Hare.

In the statement, it was erroneously stated that Vuyokazi Qusheka, Yolisa Songca and Yandiswa Sonamzi face criminal charges of fraud and corruption, when in fact, charges against Vuyokazi Qusheka and Songca had been withdrawn. Yandiswa Sonamzi, who is the Respondent (and not an accused or defendant) in the AFU matter, was mentioned mistakenly as an accused, and she had not been arrested or faced charges in this matter. It has subsequently been established that Yandisa is Walter’s wife and has interest in the restrained assets.

The genuine mistake, which had no malicious intention, was caused by an internal miscommunication between the prosecutor, who dealt with the criminal matter and the one dealing with the AFU application to the High Court, resulting in an old charge sheet being used as the basis for both the application and the press statement. The NPA regrets and apologises for any inconvenience caused and retracts such information.

The fact of the matter is that only Walter, Qush, Thobile Oxley George and Lungelwa Mfinwana at this stage, will stand trial in the matter. Yandisa remains as Respondent.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division