In a significant development, the adult children of former North-West University Professor Nolutho Diko, and her brother voluntarily surrendered themselves to the Hawks, leading to their subsequent arrest and appearance before the Mmabatho Magistrate's Court. The charges against them revolve around an alleged defrauding of the university, amounting to R438 302,00.
The siblings, Bafo Sinayo Diko (29 years old), Nqophisa Diko (35 years old), and Nomakade Diko (39 years old), along with their uncle, Siyabulela Ndengane (48 years old), willingly presented themselves to the Hawks. Subsequently, all four individuals were arrested on fraud and money laundering counts.
According to Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, Spokesperson for the North West Hawks, the arrests stem from an investigation into the suspected fraud. The inquiry was prompted by allegations between May 2016 and April 2017. Professor Nolutho Diko, who held a position at the North-West University as the Director for the School for Education Management and Leadership on the Mahikeng campus, was summoned to court due to the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit's findings.
The investigation revealed that Professor Nolutho Diko had submitted financial claims to the university under her company, Fabued College Co-operative Limited. Additionally, she had filed financial claims on behalf of external consultants and other service providers, alleging that they had rendered services to the university. However, upon further scrutiny, it was discovered that these service providers had never actually provided services to the institution, as stated by Captain Rikhotso.
Previously, on September 26, 2022, Professor Nolutho Diko appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate's Court, and the case was postponed to June 15, 2023. On May 17, 2023, her children and brother, co-directors of Fabued College Co-operative Limited, also appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate's Court. The accused now face 12 counts of fraud and 11 counts of money laundering.
As the legal proceedings progress, it is essential to remember that all accused individuals are innocent until proven guilty. The court process will play a vital role in determining the veracity of the allegations and ensuring a fair and impartial judgment.
