10 South African Celebrities Charged with Fraud and Corruption

When we think of celebrities, we often associate them with glamour, success, and influence. However, not all celebrities are as virtuous as they appear.

Many have been involved in fraudulent activities and corruption. In this article, we will look at 10 South African celebrities who have been charged with fraud and corruption.

10. Sasa Mlambo

Sasa Mlambo, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, allegedly scammed 140 people out of amounts ranging from 10,000 to 200,000 rand, totaling up to 800,000 rand.

He used his position at Tshwane FM to encourage listeners to invest in his Bitcoin company, promising high returns.

However, after investments were made, withdrawals became impossible, and Sasa disappeared with the money. He was arrested and granted bail, but the case is ongoing.

9. Shauwn Mkhize (MaK)

Shauwn Mkhize, also known as MaK, is a prominent businesswoman and tenderpreneur. She was convicted of fraud in 2012 and owed the South African Revenue Services (SARS) over 200 million rand.

In 2024, a provisional preservation order was obtained for her fleet of luxury vehicles to recoup 37 million rand in taxes. MaK is known for her close ties with key figures in power, including judges and ministers.

8. Noxolo Maqashalala

Noxolo Maqashalala, a renowned actress, allegedly defrauded casting agencies while working as the casting manager for the show “Queen Sono.”

She changed banking details and amounts to her own accounts, defrauding the companies of up to 700,000 rand. Despite her lawyer’s attempts to settle the matter privately, the case was taken to court.

7. Duma Ndlovu

Duma Ndlovu, the creator of the popular South African series “Muvhango,” was accused of falsifying his income statements to evade taxes.

He allegedly underreported his income by a significant margin, defrauding SARS of close to 26 million rand. He was granted bail, but the case is still ongoing.

6. Fikile Mbalula

Former Generations actor Fikile Mbalula’s company, Secure Investment 156, was involved in a 61 million rand corruption scandal related to asbestos eradication at a health facility.

The company allegedly invoiced the public works department for uncompleted work, but the case received little media attention.

5. Presley Chweneyagae

Presley Chweneyagae, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Tsotsi,” was accused of defrauding the National Lottery Commission of 50 million rand.

His foundation allegedly faked empowerment events to launder the money. His assets, including those linked to actress Terry Pheto, were frozen.

4. Terry Pheto

Terry Pheto, a national treasure in the film industry, was implicated in the National Lottery Commission scandal alongside Presley Chweneyagae.

She allegedly received 4 million rand, which was supposed to go to an NPO but ended up in her personal accounts. Several of her properties were frozen and auctioned by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

3. Arthur Mafokate

Arthur Mafokate, a prominent figure in the music industry, requested 9.3 million rand from the National Lottery Commission to create employment for youth in rural areas.

However, he only used 1.8 million rand for the cause and pocketed the rest. His luxurious property and cars were confiscated by the government.

2. Dr. Tumi and Cello

Dr. Tumi and his wife, Cello, were accused by the Hawks of defrauding the National Lottery Commission of 1.5 million rand by falsifying information in their application forms.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew all charges against them, citing successful representation.

1. Connie Ferguson

Connie Ferguson, a former Generations actress, is being investigated by the Hawks for her involvement in a 40 million rand tender in 2013 and a 7 million rand payment from the National Lottery Commission in 2020. The case is still ongoing, and no convictions have been made yet.

These cases highlight the prevalence of fraud and corruption among celebrities, reminding us that fame and success do not always equate to integrity.

Video