SIU, NPA recover R1.9m fraudulently claimed from AgriSeta

The money was claimed between 2016 and 2019.

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said Mokoteli and Anthony Dywili fraudulently applied to AgriSeta for R1.9 million in funding to provide training and mentoring in a food garden operation in Kimberley.

"Mokoteli and Dywili claimed that the application was a joint venture between Business Against Crime and Dipalemo Training Strategic Services, an AgriSeta accredited service provider. However, such a joint venture did not exist.

“Dipalemo was not aware of the application and did not receive a cent. In 2018, the SIU was authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of AgriSeta under Proclamation R 4 of 2018, and recover any financial losses suffered by the state.”

Kganyago said upon receiving the R1.9 million, Mokoteli and Dywili concluded a Memorandum of Understanding between Business Against Crime and Northern Cape Empowerment Academy led by Dipalemo, despite the non-existence of the academy.

“Between June and November 2016, Mokoteli submitted invoices totalling R1.3 million to Business Against Crime on behalf of Dipalemo. Mokoteli did not have any relationship with Dipalemo.

“Mokotedi submitted to AgriSeta a close-up report on behalf of Dipalemo, knowing very well that Dipalemo did not render any training.”

 Kganyago says Mokoteli entered into a guilty plea agreement with the state in May 2023. He pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud and money laundering and agreed to pay back R1.9 million to AgriSeta.

"On 14 June, Mokoteli was given a 10-year sentence for two counts of fraud and five years for two counts of money laundering.

“The sentence was suspended for a period of five years on the condition that he is not convicted of similar offences during the period. Mokoteli made the R1.9 million payment on 15 June to AgriSeta as part of the guilty plea agreement with the state.”

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