National Lotteries Commission Fraudster Sent To Prison
The accused man that defrauded the National Lotteries Commission(NLC), over R1,5 million was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court. The court heard evidence of how Christopher Tshivule(46), “hijacked” a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) called “The Message”, that operated in Bekkersdal. Its main focus was youth development and empowerment. The Chairperson of the NPO, Billy Itumeleng Semamane, convened a Board Meeting and discussed the proposal to approach the NLC for funding.
The board supported the idea and documents such as the NPO’s constitution and certificates were handed over to Tshivule, who had misrepresented himself as knowing a manager at NLC that can help them secure the funding. As funding was not forthcoming, Simamane made inquiries with the NLC and discovered that their funding application was approved and dividends were paid to an account that Tshivhule was the sole signatory of. According to the grant application form, Tshivule misrepresented himself as the chairperson of the NPO, and applied for funding in the amount of R3 million for the mobilization and organising of a Traditional Arts Festival, amongst other things. On 08 October 2018, on the strength of the NPO certificate and fraudulent grant application form, funding worth R1,575 million was granted.
In aggravation for sentence, Senior State Adv. Phuti Matabane led evidence of Probation OfficerA…..Makhavhu had recommended a direct imprisonment sentence, as he mentioned that the accused was driven by greed when he defrauded money, which was meant to uplift the community of Bekkersdal. Adv. Matabane argued that the NLC is on the brink of collapse, as a result of greedy individuals like Tshivule, that milked its coffers, without thinking of the members of society that benefit from such funds. He further argued that the accused pleaded guilty, not as a sign of remorse but because he was aware that there was overwhelming evidence against him.
Magistrate Brian Nemavhidi remarked that white-collar crimes have reached alarming proportions and that courts must send a message that crime shall be dealt with severely.
Issued by: Phindi Mjonondwane
Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division
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