Arthur Mafokate, the king of kwaito, is learning the hard way the true meaning of the Nguni saying, “ityala aliboli” (a criminal matter doesn’t rot).
A detailed investigation has been launched into how the 999 Music boss struck gold when he received R9.3-million from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).
The money was meant to “assist unemployed youth in the poor and rural areas of the country, to impact skills in music, business video, film production dance and the overall business of radio.”
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said just R1.8-million of this money went to the project and about R7.5-million went to Mafokate who used it to purchase a luxury guesthouse in Midrand.
The state has now attached the property to auction it and recoup the money allegedly stolen from the NLC.
On Wednesday, the North Gauteng High Court dismissed an application by Mafokate to have his property released from a preservation order.
State prosecutors say Mafokate was the director of the South African Arts and Development Organisation which received R9.3-million from the NLC.
“In court, Mafokate argued that he was entitled to the R7.5-million as his businesses delivered the services as required by the NLC and that he had committed no offences. However, the NPA argued that although some kind of services were rendered, it was at most to the value of R1.8-million.
“The remainder of the funds was used to purchase the guest house, which was not the purpose of the grant allocation. The funds used to purchase the guest house were thus stolen from the NLC as it was not used for the allocated project,” Mahanjana said.
Since Mafokate’s other businesses were not making money, the court found the legendary musician had no reasonable explanation as to how he could afford to buy the property without the NLC grant.
The next step is for the Asset Forfeiture Unit to auction the property and return the proceeds to the NLC.
“SIU welcomes High Court’s dismissal of 999 Music and Arthur Mafokate’s attempt to cancel preservation order for NLC-funded property in Midrand,” the Special Investigating Unit said.
Pictured above: Arthur Mafokate’s home to go on auction.
Image source: X
