The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to prevent Selaelo Phillemon Selota from selling or disposing of a Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde.
SIU reveals shocking details about Selaelo Phillemon Selota NLC fraud
The vehicle is alleged to have been bought using money misappropriated from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), funds that were originally intended to benefit the elderly through community development projects.
According to the SIU, Selota acquired the luxury car with funds diverted from three non-profit organisations (NPOs) that had received large grants from the NLC.
These NPOs—Matieni Community Centre, Lethabong Old Age Home, and War Against Rape and Abuse (WAR RNA)—were each granted R20 million or more, purportedly for elderly care and related social programmes.
However, portions of these funds were quickly transferred to an entity called Mbidzo Development Programme under questionable circumstances.
Records show that Matieni Community Centre received R20 million in October 2017 and, within days, moved nearly R6 million to Mbidzo.
Lethabong Old Age Home, after receiving its R20 million in October 2017, transferred R15 million to the same entity the following month.
Similarly, WAR RNA transferred R5 million to Mbidzo shortly after receiving its grant.
The SIU revealed that on 18 January 2018, Mbidzo paid R104,600.01 to a car dealership for the Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde.
A further R300,000 was paid five days later to complete the purchase, and the vehicle was registered in Selota’s name.
The SIU’s legal action forms part of a broader effort to address fraud and corruption in the distribution of NLC grants.
These grants are meant to support vital community services, including care for the elderly. Instead, investigators allege that funds were redirected for personal use.
The SIU has the authority to approach the High Court or Special Tribunal to recover money lost through fraud or corruption, and any evidence pointing to criminal behaviour will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The case is part of the SIU’s broader campaign to ensure accountability and recover funds misused from public institutions.
