Former PAC leader avoids jail time after fraud conviction

FORMER Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) president Luthando Mbinda has been spared direct imprisonment after being convicted of fraud involving nearly R1 million in public funds.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

The 64-year-old was sentenced in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Bellville, where the magistrate handed down correctional supervision and a wholly suspended custodial sentence. During sentencing, the court considered Mbinda’s circumstances, including his age, medical conditions, and family support, as well as the seriousness of the offence and the broader public interest. Medical records confirmed that Mbinda suffers from chronic illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes, and requires ongoing treatment. The State acknowledged the records were dated, but did not contest his need for continuous medical care.

A probation officer’s report described Mbinda as a married father of eight minor children with no previous convictions, who had fully cooperated with court proceedings.

His family, including his wife and children, had provided consistent emotional support.

The officer assessed Mbinda as a minimal risk to reoffend and recommended a suspended sentence, noting that the fraud was not committed for personal gain but stemmed from internal party issues within the PAC.

The report also recommended he attend a counselling programms: