Court rejects Arthur Mafokate’s bid to lift guest house preservation order

The Pretoria High Court has rejected a bid by renowned musician Arthur Mafokate to lift the preservation order on his upscale Midrand guest house.

Mafokate allegedly diverted funds intended for youth development in a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) scandal, implicating the property.

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The National Prosecuting Authority’s Gauteng regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, revealed that Mafokate’s organisation, the South African Arts and Development Organisation (SAADA), received R9.3 million for youth programs but only allocated R1.8 million, using the rest to acquire the guest house.

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“In court, Mafokate argued that he was entitled to the R7.5 million as his businesses delivered the services as required by the NLC and that he had committed no offences. However, the NPA argued that although some kind of services were rendered, it was at most R1.8 million.

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“The remainder of the funds was used to purchase the guest house, which was not the purpose of the grant allocation. The funds used to purchase the guest house was thus stolen from the NLC as it was not used for the allocated project,” Mahanjana said.

Mafokate couldn’t independently justify purchasing the guest house with NLC funds. His business accounts had meager balances when receiving the grant. Consequently, the court dismissed Mafokate’s application with costs.

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NPA SEEKS FINAL FORFEITURE AUCTION

The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit is expected to actively pursue final forfeiture, potentially auctioning the property. The proceeds will actively revert to the NLC.

Last year, authorities froze five properties, including Mafokate’s luxury home in Midrand. This was done in connection with the investigation.

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