SIU Freezes Late Actor Presley Chweneyagae’s Residential Property Amid Investigation

Key Takeaways

• The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order to freeze a residential property in Pretoria linked to the late actor Presley Chweneyagae and his wife, Charlaine.
• The property is alleged to have been purchased with close to R900,000 diverted from a R15 million grant from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) meant for youth arts programmes.
• The SIU’s investigation found that the grant was approved for a non-profit organisation, but was channelled through a company owned by Chweneyagae to acquire the private residence.
• The preservation order prohibits the sale, transfer, lease or disposal of the property pending the finalisation of civil proceedings.
• The SIU is committed to recovering misappropriated public funds and will spare no resources to achieve this goal.

Introduction to the Case
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has made a significant move in its efforts to recover misappropriated public funds by obtaining a preservation order to freeze a residential property in Pretoria. The property is linked to the late actor Presley Chweneyagae and his wife, Charlaine, and is alleged to have been purchased with funds diverted from a grant meant for youth arts programmes. The order, which was granted by the Special Tribunal, is a crucial step in the SIU’s investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds.

Background to the Investigation
The investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds began when it was discovered that a R15 million grant from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) had been diverted for personal use. The grant was meant to support youth arts programmes, but it is alleged that close to R900,000 was channelled through a company owned by Chweneyagae to purchase the residential property in Pretoria. The SIU’s investigation found that the grant was approved for the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, represented by Chweneyagae, but was subsequently diverted through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, a company solely owned by the late actor.

The Preservation Order
The preservation order obtained by the SIU prohibits the sale, transfer, lease or disposal of the property pending the finalisation of civil proceedings. The order is directed against Charlaine in her personal capacity and as executor of her late husband’s estate, as well as against two non-profit organisations. The SIU has 60 court days to institute civil proceedings to recover the misappropriated funds. The preservation order is a significant step in the SIU’s efforts to recover the funds and ensure that those responsible for the alleged misuse of public funds are held accountable.

The SIU’s Commitment to Recovering Misappropriated Funds
The SIU has stated that it will spare no resources to recover misappropriated public funds and will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for the alleged misuse of funds are brought to justice. The unit’s spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyao, has emphasized the importance of recovering public funds and ensuring that they are used for their intended purpose. The SIU’s commitment to recovering misappropriated funds is a reassuring sign for the public, who expect that public funds will be used to support vital public programmes and services.

Conclusion
The SIU’s investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds linked to the late actor Presley Chweneyagae and his wife, Charlaine, is a significant case that highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in the use of public funds. The preservation order obtained by the SIU is a crucial step in the investigation and demonstrates the unit’s commitment to recovering misappropriated funds. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the alleged misuse of public funds and the steps being taken to recover them. The public will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and whether those responsible for the alleged misuse of funds will be held accountable.