-Staff Writer / Tue, 23 Dec 2025
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order to freeze a residential property in Hesteapark, Pretoria, linked to the late award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, his spouse, and several co-respondents implicated in a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption case.
The order was granted by the Special Tribunal on 18 December 2025 and prevents the sale, transfer, or disposal of the property while the SIU prepares civil proceedings expected to be instituted within 60 court days.
According to the SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, the house is believed to have been purchased using approximately R889,000 siphoned from a R15 million NLC grant that was intended to support youth arts development programmes. Investigators allege that the funds were approved for the Southern African Youth Movement NPO but were later channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd a company wholly owned by the late actor to acquire the private residence.
The preservation order applies to Chweneyagae’s widow, Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae, in both her personal capacity and as executrix of his estate, as well as to Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla, the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, and other respondents.
Kganyago said the order marked a significant step in efforts to recover public funds lost through corruption.
“The primary mission of the SIU is to recover proceeds from beneficiaries of NLC grant funding who are involved in unlawful activities, thereby restoring the State’s financial losses,” Kganyago said.
He added that the investigation forms part of a broader probe authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation R32 of 2020, focusing on allegations of corruption and maladministration at the National Lotteries Commission.
Kganyago further confirmed that any criminal evidence uncovered during the investigation would be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for possible prosecution.
Kganyago further added that the SIU remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds and will continue pursuing civil recovery through the Special Tribunal and the courts where wrongdoing is identified.
News Junction (Gold Standard)