Sibongile Mani: NSFAS Millionaire Student's Case Postponed Again
- Sibongile Mani is accused of spending over R800 000 worth of NSFAS money after an 'error' by the National Student Financial Scheme Aid
- Mani received a massive R14 million and did not report by the error but instead went on a shopping spree
- Her case has been postponed once more as a new witness has been called to appear before the court
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The case against Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student Sibongile Mani has been postponed. Mani is accused of spending around R800 000 of R14 million that was 'accidentally' credited to her account by NSFAS.
The incident occurred in 2017. Reports say that the resignation of NSFAS CEO Steven Zwane back in 2018 caused the delay as Zwane cannot be located by the State. The State has now called NSFAS legal advisor Adam Williams to appear in person.
Mani was arrested in 2018 after failing to report the 'error' of the funds transfer, which was meant to be just R1 400 for her meal allowance.
Source: Getty Images
According to News24, the case was postponed to allow Advocate Luthando Makoyi time to have Williams appear in court. Mani's lawyer, Asanda Pakade, expressed his frustration about the delays in the case and the State not previously giving him prior warning about a new witnesses.
Makoyi argued that he was forced to call Williams in after learning that Zwane had left NSFAS. A report by DispatchLIVE confirmed that the case had been postponed to 15 July, just two months after Mani's expected graduation.
Last year, Briefly.co.za reported that a warrant of arrest had been issued for Mani. This is after Mani failed to appear in court. The accused thief was meant to appear in court on Friday, 14 August and failed to do so without explanation.
Mani was arrested in May 2018 by the Serious Commercial Crimes Unit of the Hawks as a result of her involvement in the unlawful distribution of NSFAS funds.
Briefly.co.za learnt that the National Prosecuting Authority gave a statement on Monday, 17 August, stating that a warning had been issued giving Mani a chance to appear in court on 25 August and if she failed to do so, she would be arrested.
Mani reportedly blew R810‚000 in 72 days. Between June 1 and August 13‚ she spent an average of R11 000 day. Despite all of this, in 2018 Mani was awarded R100 000 by the NSFAS.
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Source: Briefly News
