SIU

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Photo: Ashraf Hendricks / GroundUp

SIU raids lotteries commission offices in NC over 30% kickback allegations

The SIU said whistleblowers informed the Unit NPOs were sharing 30% of funding received from the NLC with officials from the Kimberly office.

SIU

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Photo: Ashraf Hendricks / GroundUp

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Hawks raided the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) offices in Kimberly, Northern Cape, after obtaining a search and seizure warrant on 8 March.

SIU RAID NLC OFFICES IN KIMBERLY

The SIU said the warrant was issued to look for evidence from the NLC Kimberly office related to the allegations that the office was colluding with Non-Profit Organisations in the province.

“The SIU was reliably informed by whistleblowers that NLC officials had allegedly enlisted services of runners, who were tasked with the responsibility of scouting NPOs in the Province and encourage them to apply for NLC funding.

“Immediately after the funding was approved and released to NPOs, it is alleged that the runners together with NLC officials would share approximately thirty percent of the funding,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.

CABINET PLEASED WITH PROGRESS

Kganyago said the raid is the result of fears that the normal procedure of requesting documents could see crucial evidence being compromised.

The SIU approached the Kimberly Magistrate’s Court for permission to take documents, laptops and computer hard drives.

The unit was authorised to conduct such raids while investigating allegations of corruption and maladministration by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Cabinet welcomed the raid and the “remarkable progress” made by the SIU.

“This will ensure the necessary steps can be taken to hold accountable persons or organisations implicated in the unlawful misappropriation of funds earmarked to benefit the poor,” said Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungunbele, after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

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