Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
15 November 2024 | 18:23 CAT

Selemani_Dainfern-Golf-Estate-Facebook – NPA has to investigate looted Congolese funds stashed in South African properties. (Open Secrets)

Civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, and Senegal are urging the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to act decisively on allegations of international money laundering. A criminal complaint filed 19 months ago regarding stolen Congolese funds allegedly used to buy South African properties has yet to yield action, raising concerns about accountability.

Open Secrets,  the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) and Le Congo N’est Pas Á Vendre (The Congo Is Not for Sale), and other advocacy groups highlight evidence that former Congolese President Joseph Kabila’s family funnelled public funds through the BGFI Bank. Central to this scandal is Kabila’s adopted brother, Francis Selemani, who allegedly laundered funds through shell companies to purchase South African properties, including 13 in Gauteng, worth R15 million.

Speaking to Radio Islam International on the matter, Ra’eesa Pather of Open Secrets noted, “The real estate agents and lawyers involved essentially enabled Selemani to legitimize stolen funds, violating South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre Act.” Pather also emphasized that politically exposed persons like Selemani should face additional scrutiny under the law.

Despite robust anti-money laundering regulations, civil society argues South Africa remains a prime destination for illicit funds. Pather added, “When lawyers and estate agents facilitate such transactions, they’re obligated to file suspicious transaction reports, but no significant action has followed.”

The organizations are calling for an urgent investigation into the matter to address Congolese grievances and help South Africa shed its graylisted status under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Raeesa Pather stressed the human cost of these crimes: “Public funds stolen from the Congo diminish citizens’ access to essential services. By taking action, South Africa can play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable communities and upholding international financial integrity.”

With civil society groups forming a united bloc, pressure mounts on the NPA to act swiftly. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for justice in Africa and South Africa’s global reputation.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Ra’eesa Pather of Open Secrets here.