Break a leg: R24-million SA State Theatre fraud accused arrested

Break a leg: R24-million SA State Theatre fraud accused arrestedFive people have been arrested by the Hawks in connection with an alleged R24-million SA State Theatre fraud. Here's more

by Ray Leathern

13-12-2023 10:29

in Art and Artists

The Hawks are investigating R24-million SA State Theatre fraud. Picture: X/City of Tshwane.

The Hawks, also known as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, are investigating a suspected R24-million SA State Theatre fraud. According to IOL and a press release from the South African State Theatre, the alleged mastermind and four accomplices were arrested this week.

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A spokesperson for the Hawks, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said the following on the R24-million SA State Theatre fraud. It's alleged that two employees from South African State Theatre siphoned money for their own personal gain, flouting supply-chain processes. They allegedly utilised letter heads of existing companies but changed banking details to those of their relatives, resulting in the total amount stolen of R24 million, Mogale said.

R24-MILLION SA STATE THEATRE FRAUD Suspects have been arrested in a case of alleged fraud in the government-run organisation. Picture: LinkedIn/South African State Theatre. The suspects accused of R24-million SA State Theatre fraud will appear before in a Pretoria Special Commercial Crimes Court today (Wednesday 13 December 2023). The accused face charges of fraud, theft and money laundering. This comes in the wake of ongoing battles with the City of Tshwane over unpaid bills.

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While the investigation is still to run its course, a big question remains. Is there any government-run or state-owned enterprise that's not overrun with corruption? I guess we can add the South African State Theatre to that list, too.

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We recently reported how bailouts for state-owned enterprises (SOEs) like Eskom, Transnet, South African Airways and the South African Post Office have exceeded R240 billion. And yet South African taxpayers have zero to show for it. Not even the arts is exempt from such misuse of public money.

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What do you think of the alleged R24-million SA State Theatre fraud? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don't forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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