Selaelo Selota to face the music as SIU investigates him for NLC lotto heist involvement

The walls are closing in for South African artists, creatives and entertainment industry giants who were allegedly involved in the National Lotteries funding money debacle. Joining the list is jazz legend Selaelo Selota who is alleged to have purchased a luxury car using funding from the NLC.

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In a recent report, it is alleged that the NLC allocated R20 million to NGO, Matieni Commuity Centre in 2018 run by Collin Tshisimba. The Thrrr…phaaa! singer then ordered a Mercedes Benz valued at R400 000. The SIU is reported to have souht an order for the Johannesburg High court to have the car seized from the artist. The SIU staed the vehicle was bught with grant funds. Reports state that R20 million was granted to the NGO, however R6 million was diverte dto other accounts and R3.7 million into Tshisimba’s account. The SIU said, the vehicle wa sbought after the NGO received the funds, and Selota was involved in the matter along with Tshisimba. Selota has however denied all involvement however said he has been questioned by the SIU.

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Last year, The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomed a judgment from the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, to dismiss with costs an application brought by 999 Music and its founder Arthur Mafokate to reconsider a preservation order of a luxury property in Midrand. The property- an upmarket guest house- was purchased with funds from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) meant for community and developmental projects, therefore it constitutes proceeds of unlawful activity. Mafokate is the sole director of the South African Art and Development Association (SAADA), Roadshow Marketing and 999 Music. SAADA received a grant funding of R 9.3 million from the NLC to assist unemployed youth in poor and rural areas to gain skills in music, film, radio, and media production. The grant was paid in two instalments. The first half of the grant amounting to R4 650 000 was made on 28 October 2014 and the second half on 13 November 2015.