By Bathandwa Ndlangisa
Could Kwaito legend Arthur Mafokate soon be added to the list of celebrities who spend years in prison for fraud?
Special Investigating Unit spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed on Friday that Mafokate’s non-profit organisation, the South African Arts Development Agency, was among those named in connection with a number of serious crimes, including an alleged R56 million fraud at the National Lotteries Commission.
When talking to Scrolla.Africa, the 56-year-old former musician confessed that he had indeed been fingered in some wrongdoing.
“Yes. It’s true, there’s an undesirable situation that law enforcement officers are attending to, and some of my assets are temporarily being attached due to that unfortunate incident. At this stage, I can’t say more than that,” Mafokate said on Friday.
Despite there allegedly being evidence of how he received various amounts of money, Mafokate said he believes that a court of law will not find him guilty of any crimes.
“What I can say right now is that in time, people will know the truth about my so-called alleged misconduct, and some of you guys will be shocked when you find out who is behind everything.”
Last year, actress Terry Pheto was among several people under investigation following a multi-million-rand scheme that allegedly saw them obtain properties through money fraudulently acquired from the Lotteries Commission.
Mafokate suggested that a syndicate is targeting big entertainment personalities in South Africa with the aim of destroying their credibility.
“In South Africa, black former and current artists are forever being harassed by law enforcement agencies. They did it to Cassper Nyovest and to Dr Malinga. Now it’s me.”
If Mafokate is indeed found guilty and is sentenced, he will join a long line of top celebrities that have been in trouble with the law for various crimes. The celebrities include musician and TV presenter Jub-Jub, Kwaito star Bricks, actress Linda Sokhulu and poet Mzwakhe Mbuli.
Pictured above: Arthur Mafokate
Credit: Briefly South Africa
