Film official in fraud probe

2 February, 2016 - 07:30

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is investigating a case of fraud that could run into hundreds of thousands of rands, even millions, following the hasty resignation of one of their employees. By Aubrey Mothombeni and Amos Mananyetso

Pretty Mthiyane allegedly stole money from the bursary fund. It was initiated following the sudden resignation of former training manager Pretty Mthiyane, then on suspension, after the agency started probing her.

According to a whistle blower who brought the story to the attention of Sunday World, the NFVF was accused of sweeping the matter under the rug following Mthiyanes resignation.

I think they cut a deal with her to leave and be free from prosecution, said the whistle blower. But I want the public to know about this issue because it robbed a lot of young people of opportunities to realise their dreams.

It is understood that Mthiyanes woes started late last year.

This was after R250000 in bursary money meant for Teddy Mattera was paid into the account of a Halick Moosa.

Mattera confirmed he had not received the money from his bursary award.

I cannot speak to you about this matter, he said. Contact the foundation because I submitted my complaint to them.

As a result of the complaint, the NFVF, an agency of the department of arts and culture, had their report about bursaries to the Parliamentary portfolio on arts and culture kicked out because Moosas name appeared on the documents instead of Matteras.

Moosa could not be reached for comment, as he neither answered his cellphone nor responded to text messages.

Another official from the agency, close to the investigations but asked not to be named, said Mthiyane (37) allegedly used an events and promotions company owned by her domestic helper to siphon money meant for bursary applicants for her personal enrichment.

When approached for comment, Mthiyane referred all questions to her lawyer.

Victor Nkhwashu confirmed his clients resignation, but denied it was because of the allegations against her. He said she did so to to pursue other interests.

According to documents seen by Sunday World, Nelisiwe Ngema is the owner of Accolade Events and Promotions, the company at the centre of the allegations.

The documents also revealed that Ngema and Mthiyane had been using the same residential address for the past two years.

Ngema referred all questions to her legal representative, who also happened to be Nkhwashu.

The attorney had not responded to enquiries on behalf of Ngema at the time of going to print.

The official further alleged that Mthiyanes bank account and that of the company became part of the investigations.

There, it was found that there were suspicious transactions between both accounts.

We have seen that there have been a number of transactions in which money is flowing from the Accolade account and into the personal account of Mrs Mthiyane. These amounts range from R5000 to R35000.

We have also seen that Mrs Mthiyane paid Halick Moosa a range of small amounts from time to time.

For someone who earned a take-home of just over R22 000, her lifestyle was very expensive, said the official.

www.sundayworld.co.za

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