Zimbabwean-born man arrested for defrauding national lottery

A Zimbabwean-born businessman has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the national lottery of nearly R5 million, according to a report.

The Sunday Independent reported that the man, who holds dual citizenship, was arrested in Johannesburg this week.

According to the report, he allegedly used his African Heritage Society organisation to fraudulently secure a R4.5m grant from the National Lottery Distribution Fund, which is predominantly used to fund charities.

The Hawks confirmed they had been investigating allegations that the man used lottery funds to enrich himself, the publication reported. He allegedly applied for the grant under the pretence that his organisation would build a “corporate heritage museum” in Rivonia, Johannesburg, to promote South African heritage.

According to Hawks spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko, the man lied to the lotteries board about how the money was spent.

“He claimed that a two-day workshop was held at a luxury hotel in Sandton, but it was later revealed that he had in fact hosted the launch of his book... ,” Ramaloko told the newspaper.

Lotteries board chief executive Charlotte Mampane told the newspaper her organisation was aware of the investigation, but had not been formally informed about his arrest.

The businessman’s lawyer, Rod Montano, told the Sunday Independent that preparations were being made for his bail hearing on Wednesday.