KEY POINTS
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Luthando Mbinda was convicted of fraud worth R995,670.20.
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The court acquitted him of money laundering charges.
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His case has been postponed until June 24, 2025, for sentencing.
Luthando Mbinda, the former president of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), was convicted of fraud.
On Monday, the 64-year-old was found guilty by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Bellville, Western Cape. Mbinda was convicted of fraud worth R995,670.20. However, he was acquitted of money laundering charges. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed the verdict.
Mbinda’s fraudulent activities linked to FNB accounts
In April 2021, Mbinda handed himself over to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, IOL reported. Mbinda’s two accomplices were also apprehended, but they were discharged after receiving a warning.
Mbinda was expelled from the PAC on June 14, 2017
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, the fraud occurred when Mbinda opened two accounts at First National Bank (FNB) in the name of LR Mbinda, trading as Azania 2019.
The Parliament Finance Department transferred PAC funds to the new FNB accounts instead of the existing ABSA accounts. Between March 22, 2019, and April 4, 2019, R995,670 was transferred to the FNB accounts.
The case’s next steps and sentencing date
Mbinda’s case has been postponed until June 24, 2025, for sentencing.
The outcome will determine the appropriate punishment for his involvement in the fraudulent activities.
