Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) commissioner Nomsa Masuku has appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court on charges of theft, fraud and money laundering of R1.2-million.

National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng division spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the charges relate to Standard Bank’s Social Corporate Investment Programme, which Masuku allegedly used to award bursaries to family and friends.

“The alleged offenses were committed during her tenure as Head of Standard Bank’s Social Corporate Investments Programme, prior to her appointment at the IEC. She allegedly transferred a sum of R800,000 to a second individual implicated in the case.”

“Furthermore,the state alleges that she illicitly awarded bursaries worth R400 000 to ineligible recipients, including family members and friends,” said Mjonondwane.

The matter was adjourned to 4 September to allow the state sufficient time to apprehend the outstanding suspect.

“The accused was released on R20000 bail,” said Mjonondwane.