More Arrest Expected In Alleged R1.2M Fraud Case Involving IEC Commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku

The Hawks are intensifying their investigation into an alleged R1.2 million fraud case involving Dr Nomsa Masuku, a commissioner at the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

The case, initially flagged by Standard Bank and reported to police a decade ago, has come to the forefront with Masuku’s recent arrest. Aged 62, Masuku appeared in the Johannesburg Specialized Commercial Crimes Court on charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering. She was granted bail set at R20,000.

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Dr Masuku’s charges trace back to her tenure as the head of corporate social investment at Standard Bank. According to the bank’s records, she was responsible for managing the ‘Adopt a School Trust,’ a charitable initiative designed to provide scholarships and bursaries.

Hawks spokesperson, Col. Katlego Mogale, stated that Masuku allegedly circumvented trust procedures to award scholarships to friends and family, manipulating documents and diverting funds amounting to R1.2 million into her personal account.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, added that Masuku illicitly transferred R800,000 to another implicated individual and awarded R400,000 in bursaries to ineligible recipients, including relatives and friends.

The prosecution has requested additional time to apprehend other potential suspects involved in the scheme.

The IEC has acknowledged the arrest but clarified that the allegations pertain to Masuku’s previous role at Standard Bank and are unrelated to her tenure at the commission.

The IEC stated it would monitor the case’s developments. Dr. Masuku, who started her career in election management in 1998, will return to court on September 4.