State tracing second suspect in IEC commissioner’s fraud cas
The deputy chairperson of the electoral commission Nomsa Masuku appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court sitting in Palm Ridge on charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering of R1.2 million.
The alleged offences were committed during her tenure as head of Standard Bank's Social Corporate Investments Programme, prior to her appointment at the IEC between December 2012 and March 2013.
“She allegedly transferred a sum of R800,000 to a second individual implicated in the case. Furthermore, the state alleges that she illicitly awarded bursaries worth R400 000 to ineligible recipients, including family members and friends,” said spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Phindi Mjonondwane.
Meanwhile, the commission said it’s aware of Masuku’s arrest.
The IEC released a short statement just hours after Masuku’s brief court appearance saying that while the charges against the commissioner don’t relate to her tenure at the commission, it will monitor developments in the case.
Earlier this month, the commission said it was considering legal options while refuting, and labeling as false, claims that Masuku and another official had received bribes that were posted on social media.
We reject this assertion in the strongest terms, and are considering our legal options. This is false information with no basis in fact. Do not share disinformation. pic.twitter.com/dxIGWkhein
— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) June 1, 2024
Masuku was released on R20,000 bail on the same day of her appearance.
The case was postponed to September for the state to trace the second suspect in the matter.
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