Former ANC Member of Parliament and convicted fraudster Manyaba Rubben Mohlaloga has been ordered to report to the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today, October 23, 2025, to commence serving his 20-year imprisonment sentence. This follows his guilty verdicts on one count of fraud and one count of money laundering related to the misappropriation of R6 million from the Agri-Broad-Base Black Economic Empowerment (AgriBBBEE) Fund in 2008.
The AgriBBBEE Fund, managed by the Land Bank with R100 million from National Treasury, aimed to empower previously disadvantaged farmers. But Mohlaloga, then Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs (2007–2009), colluded to irregularly secure the grant. Funds were largely disbursed to him - used to buy a farm, and luxury vehicles including an X5 BMW and BMW 118i - instead of aiding target beneficiaries.
Judge Fayeeza Kathree-Setiloane stressed Mohlaloga abused parliamentary trust; corruption erodes public confidence, fuels poverty and job losses. The sentence reflects the seriousness of white-collar crime impacting state entities and taxpayer funds. Mohlaloga’s actions were deemed a betrayal of public office responsibilities.
The case resulted from investigations by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Unit, registered in 2012. Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho praised the investigative teams for their diligence in holding accountable those abusing power. “This case demonstrates the Hawks and justice system's resolve to bring to book those abusing positions of trust,” he said.
Mohlaloga was sentenced in February 2019. He appealed unsuccessfully to the Pretoria High Court and later to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). The SCA upheld the 20-year sentence in August 2025, marking a significant step in finalising accountability for his crimes.
After the SCA dismissal, Mohlaloga sought bail pending an appeal to the Constitutional Court; this was denied on October 13, 2025. Now, he must surrender to commence his prison term. Legal experts note this outcome underscores South Africa’s stance against corruption and financial crimes by public officials.
The AgriBBBEE Fund scandal involved multiple irregularities; Mohlaloga’s misuse of funds for personal gain was central to the charges. Investigations revealed luxury purchases starkly contrasted with the fund’s empowerment goals – aiding disadvantaged farmers.
Corruption cases like Mohlaloga’s impact public perceptions of governance and accountability. Authorities emphasise pursuing justice to restore confidence in institutions and protect public resources.
Lieutenant General Mbotho highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts – Hawks, prosecutors, and courts – to tackle corruption effectively. Such cases send a strong message to would-be offenders about consequences of abusing public office.
The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court will oversee Mohlaloga’s incarceration commencement. His 20-year sentence is seen as significant in addressing financial crimes by former public officials.
Experts say outcomes like this promote accountability, though challenges remain in rooting out corruption across South Africa’s public sector. Strengthening oversight and consequence management remains critical.
Mohlaloga’s case is among several showcasing law enforcement’s focus on financial crimes and corruption involving politicians and public officials in South Africa.
The justice system’s actions here reflect efforts to uphold integrity in governance and protect taxpayer funds amid ongoing challenges of corruption.
Families of intended AgriBBBEE beneficiaries had hoped for redress; the sentence brings some closure amid broader calls for accountability in public resource management.
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