“The SIU’s probe found that Manuel, the director of Nako Mang, received the funds in October 2022. He then quickly purchased vehicles and apartments, one of which was next to Nokukhanya house. He further sent various amounts to other directors and retained a portion of the funds as 'commission'.”

“Instead of paying workers as required, the funds were diverted into the personal accounts of directors and their associates”

“The SIU investigation revealed that Nako Mang Trading Enterprise fraudulently applied for UIF Ters benefits between 2020 and 2023 by misrepresenting employment relationships. Affidavits from the purported employees confirmed that they were never employed by the company.”

“Downstream beneficiaries included Nokukhanya, he said. 'This pattern of layering and integration is consistent with money laundering, which seeks to disguise the unlawful origin of public funds through movable and immovable assets.'”

“The SIU is also authorised to institute civil proceedings in the tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the state, including funds paid for services not rendered.”