THE Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has moved to freeze a Pretoria home linked to the late award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, his wife and several others implicate in the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) corruption case.
The SIU confirmed it's secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal, stopping any sale or transfer of a residential property in Hesteapark, Tshwane.
According to the SIU, the order was granted by Judge M Victor on 18 December 2025 and is directed at Ms Charlaine Christinah Chweneyagae, in her personal capacity and as executrix of her late husband's estate, Alfred Muzwakhe Sigudla, the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, and others.
"The order prohibits any sale, transfer, lease, encumbrance, or disposal of the property pending the finalisation of civil proceedings to be instituted by the SIU within 60 court days," read the statement.
Investigators claim the house was bought using about R889 000 siphoned from a R15 million NLC grant meant to fund youth arts programmes.
The SIU said the grant was approved for the Southern African Youth Movement NPO, represented by Sigudla, before the money was channelled through Domestic Baboon (Pty) Ltd, a company solely owned by the late Chweneyagae, to buy the private residence.
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"The primary mission of the SIU is to recover proceeds from beneficiaries of NLC grant funding who are involved in unlawful activities, thereby restoring the State's financial losses," the statement read further.
The SIU was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa through Proclamation R32 of 2020 to probe claims of corruption and maladministration at the NLC and recover money lost by the State.
"The order from the Special Tribunal represents an important step in protecting the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration and corruption," the SIU said.
The watchdog also confirmed it can institute civil action in the High Court or Special Tribunal, whilst any criminal evidence uncovered will be handed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Presley shot to international fame after starring in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, becoming one of Mzansi's most respected actors.
He featured in several local films and TV productions and was admired for opening doors for young black talent in the arts.
Presley passed away in 2025, sending shockwaves across the entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues mourning a star whose legacy still shines bright.
