Out of the 22 virtual bidders that attended the Asset Auctions, no bidders put up their down bids for the three-story house belonging to actress Moitheri "Terry' Pheto. The bid was closed at R2.5 million with no offers. According to reports the house is sold on on voetstoots (without guarantee or warranty; at the buyer's risk) and the owing R4,972 on rates and R28,839 in levies.

EMBEZZLING MONEY

Terry is currently under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit at the house. Her Bryanston mansion was allegedly built with funds from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and a preservation order was granted by the high court. The luxury home is situated in an enclosed complex with 24-hour security, close to all amenities including the Gautrain bus stop, shopping centre, Jeppe College, and main routes. It has three bedrooms, two bedrooms, a kitchen, an open-plan dining room, a family room, a lounge, and a third bedroom that can be used as a study. A large rooftop garden with entertainment area, a double garage, and maid's quarters.'

WHAT SIU SAYS

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explains in a statement that the house was built with funds linked to siphoning of the National Lottery Commission (NLC) and is up for auction. "The auction follows a preservation order granted by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, to the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on 4 November 2022 to freeze Pheto's Bryanston home,' Kganyago says. The SIU investigations also found that the money used for the purchase of the land and construction of the home came from non-profit organisations that received NLC funding meant for the roll-out of a public campaign and culturally sensitive medical intervention projects aimed at achieving traditional circumcision practice. "After the preservation order was granted, Pheto's legal representatives contacted the SIU and the AFU indicating that they will not contest the preservation order granted by the High Court. The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NLC and the conduct of NLC officials, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State or NLC,' Kganyago adds.

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