SIU Freezes Chweneyagae-Linked Property Over NLC Corruption Allegations
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a court order freezing a Pretoria property linked to the late award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, his spouse, and several co-respondents in an ongoing National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption investigation.
The preservation order, granted by Judge M Victor on 18 December, applies to Ms Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae, both in her personal capacity and as executrix of her late husband’s estate. It also includes Mr Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla, the Southern African Youth Movement (NPO), and Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, among others.
In terms of the order, the affected property may not be sold, transferred, leased, or otherwise disposed of while the SIU prepares civil recovery proceedings, which must be instituted within 60 court days.
According to investigators, the Pretoria home was allegedly purchased using approximately R889,000 misappropriated from a R15 million NLC grant that was intended to fund youth arts development programmes.
The SIU alleges that the grant, approved for the Southern African Youth Movement and channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, a company wholly owned by Chweneyagae, was unlawfully used to acquire the private residence.
The SIU stated that any criminal evidence uncovered during the investigation may be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for possible prosecution.
The investigation forms part of a broader probe authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation R32 of 2020, which mandates the SIU to investigate corruption at the NLC and recover public funds lost through unlawful activities.
