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Judge dismisses Thulani Dlomo's bid to end R12 million fraud case

Published

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria rejected a section 174 discharge application by the former State Security Agency operative on fraud, forgery and uttering counts. Judge Mashudu Munzhelele said she will give full reasons at the end of the trial.

Dlomo's lawyer, Advocate Muntu Sithole, asked the court to discharge the three counts and return a not-guilty plea. Sithole argued that the State can only prove its case if Dlomo takes the stand and incriminates himself. He also said the prosecution's evidence left nothing to find Dlomo guilty of.

Prosecutor Terry Motau said Dlomo, as head of the CDSO, was not authorised to sign the R12 million contract. The prosecution says the money was withdrawn for Operation Mayibuye and that only a portion went to the intended operation. It also says documents used to justify the payments were falsified.

The National Prosecuting Authority says Dlomo and co-accused Patrick Mshothola used a private company without its owner's knowledge. It says they paid the company R12 million in three tranches. The prosecution says the alleged owner denied signing the contract.

Judge Munzhelele said the defence was treating Dlomo's signature and involvement as a procurement issue. The trial is expected to run from 8 to 25 March 2027.

Key facts

Who
Thulani Dlomo (Former State Security agent, accused in the R12-million fraud case); Terry Motau (Advocate leading the prosecution); State Security Agency (State agency whose funds were allegedly misappropriated); Muntu Sithole (advocate, Dlomo's legal representative)
What
The court dismissed Thulani Dlomo's section 174 discharge application in the R12 million State Security Agency fraud case, which relates to money withdrawn for Operation Mayibuye. The state argued there was sufficient evidence for him to answer the charges.
When
30 October 2026
Where
Pretoria, Gauteng
Status
Reported

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