The SAPS and Hawks are expected to update Parliament next month on their investigations into rampant corruption involving more than R2 billion at the National Lottery Commission (NLC). The South African Police Service and the Hawks are expected to appear before Parliament on June 30, 2026, to brief MPs on progress in the probe into alleged looting at the National Lotteries Commission.
This follows frustration in Parliament after both bodies failed to attend a scheduled briefing on March 24, 2026. The absence drew criticism from members of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition. The meeting went ahead regardless, with updates presented by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
However, SAPS and the Hawks did not appear, did not apologize, and did not explain their absence. Originally, the briefing had been scheduled for January 29, 2026, before being postponed to March 24, making the missed appearance more contentious for MPs. Toby Chance, a member of Parliament’s Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, confirmed that SAPS and the Hawks will now meet the committee on June 30, 2026, to provide an update.
He also noted: “The committee is meeting with SAPS and the Hawks on June 3, where we will get an update. Remember, the SIU is investigating over R1bn in corrupt grants, so we are keeping an eye on all of them.” Committee chairperson Mzwandile Masina could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
The SIU investigation has so far implicated former board members, senior executives, their family members, and various high-profile individuals. It describes a “coordinated scheme” in which grants intended for community projects such as old-age homes and sports facilities were allegedly diverted to luxury properties and vehicles.
Former NLC board chairperson Professor Alfred Nevhutanda has been linked to alleged purchases including a R27 million mansion and a R6.3 million Rolls-Royce, allegedly funded through lottery money. Former chief operating officer Phillemon Letwaba is allegedly linked to diverted funds involving entities such as Ironbridge Travel Agency (R15.35 million) and the Mosokodi Business Trust (R3 million).
Former NLC Commissioner Thabang Mampane resigned after being questioned about a luxury golf estate home allegedly paid for with school funding. Advocate William Huma, a former board member, is accused of abusing his position to channel funds to family-linked entities, including a chicken farming project that reportedly never benefited the intended community.
Actors Moitheri “Terry” Pheto and the late Presley Chweneyagae have also been linked to alleged misappropriated funds. Celebrity Minnie Dlamini reportedly agreed to repay funds that were allegedly paid to her via an NPO involved in the scheme. The SIU is investigating around 700 matters involving more than R2 billion in grants. Despite this, only one conviction has been secured so far.
Christopher Tshivule was convicted in 2023 for “hijacking” a non-profit organization to defraud the NLC of R1.5 million. When asked why no senior executives or board members had been arrested since the investigation began, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said questions should be directed to the Hawks. Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo confirmed they would appear before Parliament to provide an update.
The SIU has also secured the repayment of R3.2 million from beneficiaries who received improper grants. The SIU found that R1.5 million granted to Todi Media in 2018, intended for a media project covering accommodation, transport, catering, equipment, guest speakers, marketing, and security was allegedly diverted into private use and property purchases.
In another case, R550,000 was allegedly diverted to Unscripted Communication, whose director is Makhudu Sefara, editor at Sunday Times Toby Chance said this matter is also likely to be addressed, adding concerns about “sweetheart journalism” during Sefara’s time as editor of Sunday World and questions around probity related to the payment. He said the issue warranted further investigation and possible consideration by the NPA regarding prosecution.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago did not respond to the latest developments. GroundUp reported in 2023 on allegations that Sunday World benefited from millions in lottery advertising while publishing stories countering corruption exposés during Sefara’s tenure as editor.
Arena Holdings said it has begun commissioning an independent investigation into all facts relating to the SIU statement against Sefara. The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) also launched an independent legal inquiry into the matter. Sefara reportedly stepped down as SANEF chairperson last week.
