MPs axe Icasa board chairperson Mohlaloga

Parliament’s communications portfolio committee today resolved to remove the board chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa)‚ Rubben Mohlaloga‚ after he was convicted of fraud and money laundering in January.

Mohlaloga, a former ANC MP, was found guilty in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for defrauding the Land Bank of about R6 million during his tenure as the chairperson of parliament’s portfolio committee on agriculture in 2008.

The decision by the committee to remove him followed his conviction. This is expected to be sanctioned by the National Assembly as the Icasa act prohibits anyone convicted of fraud to serve as a councillor.

Mohlaloga and the controversial former Land Bank CEO Philemon Radichaba Mohlahlane conspired with Dinga Rammy Nkhwashu and Dingamanzi Ka Dinga, both from law firm Masepula Dinga Attorneys, to transfer the R6 million into the law firm’s trust account from the bank.

They were arrested by the Hawks’ serious corruption crime unit in October 2012 after a case was opened in Brooklyn, Pretoria.

The money, earmarked to support of black South Africans to actively participate fully in the agricultural sector, was used by the four to purchase luxury German cars and a farm.

The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court found them guilty of fraud and money laundering in contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

Mohlaloga and his co-accused are expected to appear in court on April 3 to be sentenced.

– Additional reporting African News Agency

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