Award-winning and internationally acclaimed actress Moitheri “Terry” Pheto seems to be in hot water again. Now, it’s her lavish Joburg home that is reportedly under the hammer.
This is after she has been accused of diverting funds looted from the troubled National Lottery Commission (NLC).
Though a media statement released on her social media accounts, denied that she had any involvement in any fraud relating to funding by the NLC.
Her house is set to be auctioned today. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said the house would go under the hammer at 11am on Thursday, March 02. The property situated in Bryanston is reported to be worth around R5 to R6 million.
“The auction follows a preservation order granted by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, to the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on November 4, 2022 to freeze Pheto’s Bryanston home,” the SIU said in an advisory.
“The SIU investigations have found that the money used for the purchase of the land and construction of the home came from non-profit organisations that received NLC funding meant for the roll-out of a public campaign and culturally sensitive medical intervention projects aimed at achieving traditional circumcision practice,” it said.
After the preservation order was granted. The SIU said Pheto’s legal representatives contacted it, and the AFU, indicating that they will not contest the preservation order granted by the High Court.
“The auctioning of Pheto’s home is a continuation of the implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover assets and financial losses suffered by State institutions and/or to prevent further losses,” it said.In November, the High Court in Pretoria granted the National Prosecuting Authority’s AFU a preservation order to seize nine luxury houses, cars and two Ocean Basket franchises.
Follow the link below for details of the auction:https://t.co/ldZH6xO6Au
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) March 2, 2023
These assets had been owned by individuals linked to the financial mismanagement and corruption at the NLC.
At the time, implicated individuals included Pheto, lawyer Lesley Ramulifho, Collin Mukondeleli Tshisimba, Fulufhelo Promise Kharivhe, AO Residence Trust represented by Mashudu Shandukani. Rasemate Family Trust represented by Rebotile Malomane, Mojakgomo Family Trust represented Thabang Charlotte Mampane (ex-lotteries boss), Unbrand properties represented by Sthembiso Jim Skosana, and Just Cuban Trust represented by Botshelo Cornelius Moloto. Pheto has previously denied any fraudulent involvement with the lotteries commission.
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“I am dismayed to discover that I am the subject of a Special Investigation Unit probe into allegations of fraud relating to funding by the National Lotteries Commission. I deny any involvement in the alleged scheme that has been reported on. I also had no prior knowledge of an application to obtain a preservation order against me, and have no sight of this order,” she said.
Terry also expressed her gratitude to people who had supported her and said she would co-operate fully, openly and transparently with the investigation.