Odendaal was further sentenced to two years imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of five years, on condition that he is not convicted of contravention of section 34 (1) of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) committed during the period of suspension and that he subject himself to one year correctional supervision in terms of section 276(1) (h) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Lumka Mahanjana said Odendaal was convicted and sentenced after entering into a plea and sentence agreement with the State in terms of section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.

“In his capacity as the Group Audit Executive, Odendaal was negligent in that he ought to have suspected that other employees within Steinhoff group committed fraud therefore did not report to the police. Where on 21 November 2016 Iwan Peter Schelbert ( while acting on instructions from the then Chief Financial Officer, Andries Benjamin La Grange, he generated a fraudulent invoice to TG Sources SARL, a company based in Martigny, Switzerland.

“Following the generation of the invoice, Stephanus Johannes Grobler and others created supporting documentation and caused payments to be affected to falsely represent that the invoice reflected a legitimate transaction between Steinhoff at Work and TG Sources SARL. This fraudulent scheme resulted in the inflation of Steinhoff’s financial statements by more than R376 million,” she said.

The NPA said this conviction and sentence, which marks the fourth conviction secured in the Steinhoff matter.

“This outcome demonstrates the commitment of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI)and the NPA to holding perpetrators accountable in one of the largest and most complex corporate fraud cases in South Africa’s history. The investigation and prosecution of this matter required extensive collaboration and technical expertise due to its scale and complexity. It is to be noted that the NPA takes these nature of cases serious. Each case is treated according to its merits. The plea bargains do not militate against the seriousness of these offences,” she said.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi said: “These outcomes should demonstrate to the public that NPA will continue to prosecute all cases whether in public or private sector without fear , favour or prejudice.”

The case against the remaining accused, Stephanus Johannes Grobler (64), has been postponed to 14 May 2026 for further proceedings.

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The October 2024 collision on Andrew Mapheto Road killed nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela.

It also left another child, Thando Khethiwa, in critical condition.

Shauna Mogaila’s legal team has now signaled their intent to submit a plea and sentence proposal within the week.

The Fight for Evidence

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit is representing the grieving mothers in this legal battle.

The unit is demanding that the court view damning dashcam footage before any sentence is finalized.

Spokesperson Barry Bateman warned against a “slap on the wrist” for the professional footballer.

He argues the video clearly shows Mogaila’s high-performance vehicle swerving at high speed before the impact.

“It is critical that the Court see that footage,” Bateman insisted. “Only by viewing the actions will a Court impose a just sentence.”

A Community in Mourning

The Mavimbela and Khethiwa families remain haunted by the “life-changing emotional and physical scars” of that day.

Shauna Mogaila, who initially fled the scene before surrendering, remains out on R20 000 bail.

The matter has been postponed to 30 March to allow the National Prosecuting Authority to review the submissions.

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According to the investigation thus far, the young boy was allegedly taken from his home in Ebhongweni Location, KuGompo, on Monday.

His mother filed a missing person report at the police station the following afternoon.

EC SAPS Spokesperson Brigadier Nobunti Gantana said an extensive search operation was immediately launched by SAPS members.

“During the course of the preliminary investigation, information was received pointing to a possible suspect. Following consultation with the Prosecutor, a case of Kidnapping and Defeating the Ends of Justice was formally opened.

“The matter was scheduled for its first court appearance on 09 March 2026; however, the docket was not enrolled on that date as investigations were still active and ongoing,” said Gantana.

Gantana said on Tuesday, the search efforts intensified.

“A multidisciplinary team comprising members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, the K9 Unit, and the Eastern Cape Human Rights and Missing Persons Unit (working on behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority) continued the search in the area. Tragically, the body of the young boy was recovered from a dam approximately one kilometre from his home.

“The scene was processed by forensic experts, and the body has since been transported to a state mortuary for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, with statements being gathered regarding circumstantial evidence obtained,” Gantana said.

She said that a charge of murder will be added to the charge sheet, or alternatively, an inquest docket will be opened, depending on the evidence presented and the direction from the prosecuting authority.

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It has been brought to the attention of the NPA that certain individuals are circulating messages while falsely claiming to be the NDPP. In some instances, these individuals are also using a profile picture of Mothibi.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Kaizer Kganyaho said Mothibi was taken with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, to mislead members of the public and create the impression that communication is legitimate.

“The NPA strongly condemns these acts of impersonation and warns members of the public to exercise caution when receiving messages or calls from individuals claiming to be Adv. Mothibi. The NDPP does not communicate with members of the public through private or unfamiliar numbers regarding official matters.

“Such conduct is unlawful and may constitute offences, including fraud and impersonation. The NPA calls on those responsible for these actions to immediately desist from impersonating the NDPP and misusing his image.

Members of the public who receive suspicious messages or calls from individuals claiming to be Adv. Mothibi are urged not to engage and to report the matter to their nearest law enforcement authorities,” he said.

Kganyago said the NPA remains committed to protecting the integrity of its leadership and safeguarding the public from fraudulent conduct carried out in the name of its officials.

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Katlego Mokoena (19) is charged alongside with his co-accused, Lungelo Sithole (19), in connection with the murder of Mathabela, who was allegedly stabbed multiple times at her home in Mataffin, outside Mbombela, in November 2025.

Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said Sithole and Mokoena applied for bail on separate occasions.

Sithole’s bail application was dismissed by the same court last month.

“It is alleged that on the day of the incident, the accused hired an Uber driver to transport them to the victim’s residence, where they allegedly gained entry by jumping over the wall. The accused were allegedly found at the crime scene, and the victim’s lifeless body was discovered in a pool of blood in the bathroom,” she said.

Nyuswa said in handing down the judgment, the court considered the serious nature of the charge and the significant public interest generated within the community where the crime was committed.

“The court found that releasing the accused on bail pending trial would likely disturb public order and undermine peace and security. It further concluded that granting bail would undermine confidence in the criminal justice system and the proper administration of justice,” she said.

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Mothibi orders the investigation after News 24 reported that there were various allegations of mishandling of serious around Johannesburg office, as published by reported by related to cases handled by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU) in the DPP Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg.

Newly appointed National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Kaizer Kganyago said in the matter reported in the article dated 07 February 2026 with the heading: “NPA curbs JDA boss Themba Mathibe’s R2m cash-in-transit heist case, despite evidence”, reporting allegations of interference by the SCCU in a case involving Johannesburg Development Agency CEO, Themba Mathibe, the Office for Ethics and Accountability (OEA) obtained and perused the case docket, charge sheet and reports from the NPA officials mentioned in the article.

“The investigation reveals that the amounts mentioned in the News24 article do not correspond with the facts contained in the docket. The actual amount that was seized during the operation was less than R500 000.00, and there is no evidence in the docket of R2m seized. At this stage, the investigation is still underway to determine whether the money seized emanated from a cash in transit robbery.

“The case was not enrolled by the SCCU in the division, as the unit has a limited mandate and only deals with the most complex, high value matters. The case was therefore referred to the general courts and was enrolled at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 28 January 2026 and postponed to 02 June 2026 for further investigations. Bail in the amount of R50 000.00 was granted,” he said.

Kganyago said the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the NPA is also seized with the matter. The case will be closely monitored.

“With respect to the matter reported on 31 January 2026, with the headline “NPA stalls R64m City Power fraud, corruption case, despite arrest warrants”, the matter is still under investigation. Significant progress has been made and the evidence obtained to date is being evaluated.

“The matter is complex, sensitive, and very serious and requires a thorough investigation to ensure that the truth is established. The NPA remains committed to the speedy finalisation of the matter but cannot compromise the investigation. The media will be kept abreast of developments,” he said.

Kganyago further said that News 24 further submitted a media enquiry on 16 February 2026, where the journalist reported allegations against the same SCCU office, about the withdrawal of charges in the R116m procurement of IT and software technology for access management and control in the Gauteng Shared Service Centre (GSSC).

“The matter is also under investigation and the evidence gathered is being considered.

The matter is complex and serious, and the investigation requires more time to do justice to it. The media and public are assured of the NPA’s commitment to addressing unethical conduct but appeals for a measure of patience to ensure that justice is done for all those involved in this matter.

“The NPA will keep the public and the media appraised of developments in the matter.

The NDPP places a premium on ethical conduct and accountability by prosecutors and how they deal with criminal cases with accordance with their oath of office, to prosecute without fear, favour, or prejudice,” he said.

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The offences were committed in July 2023 at a tavern in the Inanda area in the North of Dbn in KZN.

NPA Regional Spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said that on the day of the incident, Ngubane was socialising at a tavern with friends while brandishing a firearm.

“He discharged the firearm outside the premises, injuring his hand in the process. He then re-entered the tavern seeking something to wipe the blood from his hand. At that moment, the deceased, Xolani Mkhize, entered the tavern.

“Ngubane removed Mkhize’s cap and attempted to wipe his own blood onto it, this led to an argument between the two men. Mkhize exited the tavern, but Ngubane, accompanied by a friend, followed him outside. Ngubane’s accomplice struck Mkhize on the head with a beer bottle, while Ngubane robbed him of his cellphone and fatally shot him. The two fled the scene,” she said.

Kara said Ngubane was arrested two months later in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

She said during the trial, Prosecutor Kaystree Ramsamujh led the testimonies of two eyewitnesses and presented CCTV footage capturing the incident.

“In aggravation of sentence, Ramsamujh submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Mkhize’s mother and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Princess Mlangeni.

“In the statement, she described the devastating impact of her son’s death on the family. Mkhize was employed and the family’s breadwinner. She further expressed the family’s pain at Ngubane’s lack of remorse.

“Ngubane was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 15 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm. The court ordered that he serve an effective sentence of life imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” she said.

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Kganyago officially joined the NPA with effect from Monday, strengthening the authority’s communications leadership at a time when public accountability and transparency remain under sharp focus.

Head of Communications Bulelwa Makeke said Kganyago brings a wealth of experience in corporate communications strategy and stakeholder relations management.

“He joins the NPA as part of enhancing the organisation’s communications capacity, in particular as the NPA spokesperson. Kganyago’s previous experience includes his role as Head of Communications at the South African Broadcasting Corporation and SIU Chief Stakeholder Relations and Communications Officer.

“At both organisations, he held the role of spokesperson and led a successful communications and stakeholder relations strategy, contributing to the improvement of public trust in those organisations,” Makeke said.

Makeke further stated that as the NPA focuses on driving the implementation of its strategy and Annual Performance Plan, including the Quick Wins Action Plan, it has become critical to further enhance the institution’s ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in order to improve public confidence in its work and performance.

“Proactive communication has been identified as one of the NPA’s strategic focus areas, and Kganyago joining the organisation’s communication machinery will add value to the implementation of the communication strategy.

“The objective of this strategic focus is clear: to ensure that the NPA strategy, plans and achievements are communicated internally and externally in a manner that improves public understanding of NPA work and successful performance,” said Makeke.

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The inquiry, established in terms of the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998, continues to examine prosecutorial decisions, leadership conduct, and accountability within the NPA.

Mangena’s evidence marks a significant moment in proceedings as the panel evaluates whether Advocate Chauke remains fit to hold the powerful DPP position.

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The ruling follows after the former Chief Operating Officer of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), Philemon Letwaba, attempted to reverse the previous preservation order by submitting that the Special Tribunal has no jurisdiction to rule over the freezing of pension funds.

Judge Margaret Victor, the President of the Special Tribunal, in judgment explained:

“To interpret the word ‘court’ narrowly would create an absurdity and undermine the fight against corruption. The Special Tribunal must be read harmoniously with the Pension Funds Act, so that it can exercise its powers to preserve and deduct pension benefits where misconduct, dishonesty, or fraud is proven. This interpretation promotes the spirit and objects of the Bill of Rights and ensures that justice is not defeated by technicalities.”

The order ensures that the R2.8 million pension benefits due to Letwaba remain frozen, preventing him from benefiting from misconduct while investigations and civil proceedings continue.

Letwaba is implicated in the looting of MLC Funds which has since been labeled as the “Great Lotto Heist”.

“This judgment reinforces the principle that individuals implicated in corruption cannot shield themselves through pension benefits,” Victor.

SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the SIU investigation revealed that Letwaba abused his position to siphon millions of rands intended for community upliftment projects.

He further said instead of reaching vulnerable communities, these funds were diverted into companies and trusts owned or controlled by his wife, brother-in-law, and close associates, including Upbrand Properties, Mosokodi Water Solutions and Drilling, Mosokodi Farming Project, Mosokodi Trust, and the Letwaba Family Trust.

“The SIU’s probe shows that the money was used to enrich his family and associates through property acquisitions, luxury lifestyles, and business ventures. In one case, a Limpopo-based NPO received approximately R25 million for the refurbishment of a torched school in Vuwani.

“Twelve days later, R4 million was transferred to Up brand Properties without evidence of work being done, in violation of the funding agreement. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” he said.

Kganyago further said the SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered.

“This is a one-stop information hub for our NLC investigation. On 6 November 2020, Proclamation No. R.32 of 2020 was published. Under this proclamation, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the NLC and to recover any loss that the NLC or state has suffered.

“The investigation covers the period from 1 January 2014 to 6 November 2020, where the SIU will probe the investment of funds from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, established under section 21 of the Lotteries Act, No. 57 of 1997, in violation of the applicable provisions of the Lotteries Act. The SIU will also investigate the allocation of money from the Fund to beneficiaries who were not entitled to receive it under the relevant provisions of the Lotteries Act of 1997,” he said.

Kganyago also said the SIU will probe any improper or unlawful conduct by the officials or employees of the NLC, or any other person or entity, including the causes of such improper or unlawful conduct and any losses, damage or actual or potential prejudice suffered by the NLC or the State.

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