Kaya 959 Reporter
Sibongile Mani, the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student accused of stealing R14m from NSFAS, refused to testify in her defence at her trial at the East London High Court.
In the recent court proceeding Mani’s lawyer, Asande Pakade, refused to allow her to enter the witness box in case she gives incriminating evidence.
The lawyer had previously submitted an application for her discharge at the conclusion of the State’s case, saying it had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that she stole the money.
Also Read: NSFAS R14 million: “I spent money but I didn’t steal!”
She is on currently on the trial stands accused of theft after she used R820 000 of R14 million accidentally credited to her student account in 2017.
The theft case was opened by Intellimali – a Cape Town-based company responsible for disbursing student funds on behalf of universities.
Also Read: Cash strapped NSFAS says R 350 grant recipients qualify
She was only entitled to a monthly R1 400 meal allowance.
On Thursday, the East London Regional Court heard Mani claimed to be an activist and used the money to feed needy students.
The lawyer of the Walter Sisulu University student accused of stealing a portion of R14 million from NSFAS reminded the East London Regional Court of evidence before the court which revealed auditing firm Ernst & Young and others cleared his client of wrongdoing following investigations in 2017.
Judgment is set for 17 November.



