Mohlaloga sentenced to 20 years for AgriBBBEE fraud

CONVICTED former Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa) chairperson Rubben Mohlaloga will have to serve his 20-year jail sentence for his role in defrauding the Agri-Broad-Base Black Economic Empowerment Fund (AgriBBBEE), which was established to assist previously disadvantaged farmers.

- ZELDA VENTER

The Supreme Court of Appeal turned down his appeal against his conviction and sentence, and Judge Fayeeza Kathree-Setiloane, who wrote the judgment, had strong words regarding the conduct of Mohlaloga.

Mohlaloga, formerly ANC Youth League deputy president, turned to the SCA after the high court rejected his appeal bid. He was earlier convicted in the regional court of fraud and contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The regional court sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count and ordered that he serve an effective 20 years’ imprisonment.