SIU takes decisive action by freezing assets linked to corruption in the National Lotteries Commission, targeting late actor Presley Chweneyagae’s estate and other prominent figures. Picture Credit: SIU
By Thulane Madalane
Pretoria – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze a residential property in Hesteapark, Pretoria, connected to the late actor Mr. Presley Chweneyagae, his spouse Ms. Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae, and several other notable respondents implicated in a National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption case.
Issued by Judge M Victor on 18 December 2025, the order targets Ms. Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae in her personal capacity and as Executrix of the late actor’s estate, alongside Mr. Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla of the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd (wholly owned by Presley Chweneyagae), and other respondents. The order prohibits the sale, transfer, lease, encumbrance, or disposal of the Pretoria property pending the finalisation of civil proceedings the SIU intends to institute within 60 court days.
Investigations by the SIU reveal that the property was acquired with approximately R889,000 diverted from a R15 million NLC grant originally designated for youth arts programmes. The grant had been approved for the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, represented by Sigudla, and was illicitly channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd to purchase the residential property.
Commenting on the development, the SIU stated, “This preservation order is a critical step towards ensuring that unlawfully acquired assets are secured and ultimately returned to the State. The SIU remains unwavering in its mission to combat corruption and recover public funds lost through maladministration and fraud within the National Lotteries Commission.”
Mandated by President Cyril Ramaphosa under Proclamation R32 of 2020, the SIU’s main objective is to uncover corruption and maladministration within the NLC, recover misappropriated State funds, and restore public confidence in the management of public resources. The recent preservation order underscores the SIU’s ongoing commitment to holding individuals accountable and safeguarding State assets.
Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU is authorised to initiate civil claims through the High Court or a Special Tribunal. Evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during investigations is forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further prosecution.
This case marks a significant development in the fight against corruption within South Africa’s NLC, signalling continued pressure on those who misuse public funds for personal gain.
