CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Former Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) president Luthando Mbinda has been found guilty of fraud involving nearly R1 million in parliamentary funds, the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Bellville, Western Cape ruled on Monday.
The 64-year-old political figure was convicted for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme worth R995,670.20, according to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). While Mbinda was cleared of money laundering charges, the court found that he intentionally redirected funds meant for the PAC into a fraudulent bank account.
How the Fraud Happened:
In March 2019, Mbinda opened two FNB accounts under the name LR Mbinda trading as Azania 2019. He then instructed Parliament’s Finance Department to deposit PAC-owed funds into these new accounts—instead of the official ABSA accounts on record. Between March 22 and April 4, 2019, a total of R995,670 was transferred.
Mbinda voluntarily surrendered to the Hawks in April 2021. Two alleged accomplices were also arrested but later released with a warning and discharged in court.
Mbinda, who was expelled from the PAC in 2017, is now awaiting sentencing on June 24, 2025.
The case highlights ongoing issues of financial misconduct in South African politics, particularly involving public funds and misrepresentation.
