Two former senior intelligence officers have been arrested in connection with a R5.8 million fraud case involving the State Security Agency (SSA). Ntshavheni Prince Makhathana and Matome Solomon Ralebipi appeared in court on Monday, where bail was set at R100,000 for Makhathana and R150,000 for Ralebipi.
The men were granted bail with strict conditions, which include surrendering their travel documents and not leaving their homes unless consulting with their lawyers or seeking medical attention. Additionally, they have been instructed not to dispose of any properties and to report to their local police stations every Friday. They are also prohibited from contacting state witnesses, directly or indirectly.
Makhathana, previously the manager of the Cover Support Unit (CSU) of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)—now the SSA—was responsible for overseeing operations and finances. He and Ralebipi are accused of exploiting their positions to defraud the agency over a period of three years, from 2007 to 2010.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that Makhathana laundered the stolen money through Ralebipi’s property company. Ralebipi’s company allegedly served as a money-laundering platform, concealing the source and ownership of two properties purchased with the stolen funds. After a lengthy legal battle, Ralebipi managed to secure a High Court ruling allowing the properties to be registered under his company, Ralebipi Properties CC.
Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), emphasized that the two men abused their trusted positions and the covert nature of their operations to gain personal benefits. Their actions circumvented financial safeguards, enabling the embezzlement of the funds.
The case has been adjourned until June 23 for pre-trial proceedings.
