South Africa: Social Justice Coalition Fraud Case Postponed Again

13 April 2023
GroundUp (Cape Town)
By Mary-Anne Gontsana

Accused Xolani Klaas to appear in court next month

Former Social Justice Coalition (SJC) general manager Xolani Klaas made a brief appearance on charges of fraud at the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Thursday, where his case was once again postponed, this time because Klaas had no legal representation.

Klaas faces charges related to fraud in excess of R730,000.

Last year, Groundup reported that Klaas appeared to be using SJC funds to buy furniture, household appliances, luxury clothes, watches, groceries, and expensive technology.

Klaas was subsequently suspended and SJC staff laid criminal charges against him at Lingelethu West Police Station. In July, Klaas returned some furniture, purchased using SJC money, to the organisation's offices.

Wearing a striped top and pink trousers, with a sling bag over his chest, Klaas stood in the dock on Thursday and told the magistrate that he was seeking new legal representation and that he would be ready after 26 April.

SJC's Thozama Dyum who was in court for the proceedings, said the delays were frustrating and the case was "standing still."

Meanwhile, the SJC says its internal investigation into Klaas's actions has been finalised and the organisation and board is analysing the findings.

Klaas is due back in court on 3 May.

Read the original article on GroundUp.

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