One of the properties belonging to late ANC Youth League leader Sive Nombembe, a businessman at the centre of Mnquma Municipality’s R10-million black refuse bags scandal, has been handed over to the community of Zazulwana.
The handover – a joint effort between the regional asset forfeiture unit of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, who worked closely on the case – puts the property in the service of the Zazulwana Community Development Trust, the business arm of the Amazizi Traditional Council.
The property, a plot across from Walter Sisulu University’s Ibika Campus in Butterworth, generates a monthly income of R68000 through the lease of 17 flats, with two students in each flat.
Trust chairman Luthando Ncebetsha said the community welcomed the gesture made by the government entities.
“We are always seeking funding to develop the community and improve the living conditions of people in the village. We hope to strengthen our relationship with WSU and for them to continue to lease the plot as they had been doing with the deceased owner,” he said.
NPA spokesman Luxolo Tyali said the property was valued at R800000.
“Our aim here was to make sure that what was generated through crime does not go to enrich the deceased’s family or children, which is why we have ploughed it back into the community.”
NPA asset forfeiture unit head Dr Christopher Ndzengu said although they had auctioned most of Nombembe’s assets, the land on which the flats had been built was communal land.
“We’ve retrieved about R500000 from the sale of some of his vehicles and trailers, R129000 from the Mercedes-Benz he gave to Tantsi and R39000 from a carport he had made for Tantsi, as well as R350000 recently received from ,” he said.
Ndzengu added that one of the two houses repossessed by the state would be given to Nombembe’s mother, Ntombizonke Nombembe, after investigations proved she had purchased the property from her pension fund.
Hawks Captain Chumani Mnqojana said they were pleased the case had come this far with such success. “This is just a typical indication that crime doesn’t pay. We have tried to return all of what was unlawfully generated from illicit funds and all of those implicated have not escaped unscathed.”
Ntombizonke, who attended the handover and delivered the keys, said the experience was painful.
“Yes, I’m here because I can’t do otherwise. It’s not nice to watch what is happening, especially because my son had always said this plot and the structures upon it were a legacy for his kids, but it doesn’t help to cry over spilt milk.”
Deputy chair of the trust Zolisa Lavisa praised Ntombizonke for doing things amicably. “We are humbled that she could be here and be part of the handover. After losing a child, it can’t be easy.
“Yet she has cooperated fully and made the handover easy for us.”
Mom graces handover of late son’s assets
The handover – a joint effort between the regional asset forfeiture unit of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, who worked closely on the case – puts the property in the service of the Zazulwana Community Development Trust, the business arm of the Amazizi Traditional Council.
The property, a plot across from Walter Sisulu University’s Ibika Campus in Butterworth, generates a monthly income of R68000 through the lease of 17 flats, with two students in each flat.
Trust chairman Luthando Ncebetsha said the community welcomed the gesture made by the government entities.
“We are always seeking funding to develop the community and improve the living conditions of people in the village. We hope to strengthen our relationship with WSU and for them to continue to lease the plot as they had been doing with the deceased owner,” he said.
NPA spokesman Luxolo Tyali said the property was valued at R800000.
“Our aim here was to make sure that what was generated through crime does not go to enrich the deceased’s family or children, which is why we have ploughed it back into the community.”
NPA asset forfeiture unit head Dr Christopher Ndzengu said although they had auctioned most of Nombembe’s assets, the land on which the flats had been built was communal land.
“We’ve retrieved about R500000 from the sale of some of his vehicles and trailers, R129000 from the Mercedes-Benz he gave to Tantsi and R39000 from a carport he had made for Tantsi, as well as R350000 recently received from ,” he said.
Ndzengu added that one of the two houses repossessed by the state would be given to Nombembe’s mother, Ntombizonke Nombembe, after investigations proved she had purchased the property from her pension fund.
Hawks Captain Chumani Mnqojana said they were pleased the case had come this far with such success. “This is just a typical indication that crime doesn’t pay. We have tried to return all of what was unlawfully generated from illicit funds and all of those implicated have not escaped unscathed.”
Ntombizonke, who attended the handover and delivered the keys, said the experience was painful.
“Yes, I’m here because I can’t do otherwise. It’s not nice to watch what is happening, especially because my son had always said this plot and the structures upon it were a legacy for his kids, but it doesn’t help to cry over spilt milk.”
Deputy chair of the trust Zolisa Lavisa praised Ntombizonke for doing things amicably. “We are humbled that she could be here and be part of the handover. After losing a child, it can’t be easy.
“Yet she has cooperated fully and made the handover easy for us.”
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