Walter Sisulu University sudent Sibongile Mani mistakenly received R14 million from NSFAS
Walter Sisulu University student Sibongile Mani, who received more than R14m into her student account from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), had her application to have her theft case discharged refused by the East London regional court on Tuesday.
Mani is accused of theft after she spent just over R800,000 of the R14 million in 2017.
She was arrested in May 2018 by the Hawks and is currently out on bail.
The R14 million was credited to Sibongile Mani during June 2017. At the time, she was an accounting student and was only entitled to receive R1,400.
It is alleged that the millions were erroneously deposited into her account by Intellimali. The company is contracted by NSFAS to make payments to students.
The former student spent over R800,000 in 73 days, apparently spending the money on food, clothing, electrical appliances, cigarettes and alcohol.
“The accused is charged with only one count of theft and no other charge.
“This matter has its own unique features which sets it apart from the ordinary theft cases hence we strongly argue for a discharge of the accused.”
Pakade argued that before the transfer of the money into Mani’s student account, the accused did not act or initiate any process leading to the transfer of the credit in her student account.
He said the forensic report and public protector who investigated the case cleared Mani of the theft.
Pakade said the five witnesses who were cross-examined in court presented common evidence that Mani never breached any system or never made any misrepresentation, credit or single transfer in her account.
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