The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has attained an order from the Special Tribunal to seize a portion of the Farm Zandrivierspoort, outside Louis Trichardt, Limpopo.

Portion 15 of the farm was allegedly bought with funds obtained fraudulently from the National Lotteries Commission.

The SIU found that three non-profit organisations fraudulently received over R 66 million from the commission.

SIU’s spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the funds intended for the construction of old age homes were diverted to private entities and individuals.

“The SIU’s probe into NLC-funded projects uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving the hijacking of legitimate Non-Profit Organisations, falsified grant applications, and the diversion of funds to private entities and individuals. The investigation focused on three NPOs, Matieni Community Centre, Lethabong Old Age Home, and War Against Rape and Abuse (WAR RNA), which together received more than R66 million under false pretenses.”

The SIU’s investigation revealed that Matieni Community Centre, a defunct NPO, was fraudulently revived to apply for NLC funding. The original members were unaware of the application, and the individuals listed on the NLC application were not legitimate members.”

#LOTTOHEIST| The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze the immovable property of Portion 15 of the Farm Zandrivierspoort in Limpopo Province. This action is part of an investigation into the misappropriation of funds… pic.twitter.com/pmHNcrPuEs

— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) June 10, 2025

The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) June 10, 2025