Mafikeng – Three adult children of former North West University professor, Nolutho Diko, and her brother handed themselves over to the Hawks on Thursday before they were arrested and brought before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court.
Nolutho Diko, the 58-year-old, former North West University professor, her children, and her brother are accused of defrauding the institution of R438 302.
Siblings 29-year-old Bafo Sinayo Diko, 35-year-old Nqophisa Diko, and 39-year-old Nomakade Diko as well as their uncle, 48-year-old Siyabulela Ndengane, handed themselves over to the Hawks.
All four persons were arrested for fraud and money laundering.
North West Hawks Spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said the arrests emanate from an investigation into alleged fraud.
Allegations are that between May 2016 and April 2017, Professor Nolutho Diko submitted financial claims to the university under the name of her company – Fabued College Co-operative Limited.
She also submitted financial claims on behalf of external consultants and other service providers whom she claimed rendered services to the university.
“Through investigations, it was discovered that those service providers never rendered any services to the university,” said Captain Rikhotso.
Last year, on 26 September 2022, Professor Nolutho Diko appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court, where she was released on a warning.
Today, (17 May 2023), the professor’s children and her brother who are co-directors of Fabued College Co-operative Limited, appeared before Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court.
All the accused face 12 counts of fraud and 11 counts of money laundering.
The case was adjourned to 15 June 2023.
