NPA says wheels of justice turning after Arthur Mafokate fails to have property released from preservation order

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the wheels of justice were turning in a matter related to disgraced music producer, Arthur Mafokate.

The High Court in Pretoria dismissed an application by Mafokate to have his property released from a preservation order.

In 2023, Mafokate's Midrand mansion was seized after an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the National Lotteries Commission. 

The probe exposed financial mismanagement, fraud, and corruption, with Mofokate implicated in questionable dealings.

The SIU's investigations found that the South African Arts and Development Organisation was granted R9.3 million to assist unemployed youth in poor and rural areas in the country but only used R1.8 million from that amount.

The unit alleged that the remaining money was used to purchase the Midrand property. However, Mofokate claimed he was entitled to the money for the services rendered by his business to the Lotteries Commission.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said should the forfeiture application be successful, the guest house would be sold.

"The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi, is grateful for the investigations conducted by the SIU on this matter, which illustrates the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies working together to eradicate corruption."