NPA seizes R2.2m assets from Pule Mabe and two fraud co-accused 19 September 2014 14:55 Assets worth R2.2 million have been seized from former ANC Youth League treasurer-general Pule Mabe and two others accused of defrauding the South African Social Security Agency. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Nathi Mncube today said that the NPA’s asset forfeiture unit was granted a freezing order in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on September 9. The order was granted against Mabe, former social security agency spokesperson Paseka Cornelius Letsatsi, and Surprise Kabedi Ramosa in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. “This order prohibits them from dealing in their property, and appointed a curator to attach their assets.” In court documents, the NPA alleged that the three siphoned funds from the agency and/or the Social Responsibility Fund account through organisations that did not qualify for funding. The three have appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court in connection with the case. Letsatsi allegedly solicited funds illegally from the agency in 2008 on the pretext of a community development programme, the Progressive Young Women’s Co-operative, needing to pay service providers directly. Instead the money was allegedly given to companies Mabe and Ramosa owned. “The amounts were paid on September 17 2008 and November 26 2008 even though these entities did not render any services,” said Mncube. “Afterwards, money was transferred not only between these accounts, but also into the account of KG Project Management, of which Mr Mabe is the only signatory.” Earlier this month the ANC Youth League in Gauteng backed Mabe for the position of league president. Chairperson Matome Chiloane told reporters in Johannesburg that the youth league in the province noted the charges Mabe faced and resolved to continue to support him as he was innocent until proven guilty. “Comrade Pule Mabe is a member of the league in good standing within our province and we believe that the knowledge and experience he has acquired through time from the various leadership positions he has held puts him in good standing to take our organisation further.” The elective conference will be held next week. - Sapa
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:17:33 +0000