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NSFAS Fraud: Sibongile Mani Sentenced to 5 Years Behind Bars, Might Appeal Sentence

Sibongile Mani, the student who had looted part of the funds accidentally sent to her account as part of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) payment, has pleaded for a suspended sentence.

But the court had ruled that her actions were inspired by greed and not need. When about R14 million was accidentally credited to her account in 2017, she had reportedly spent about 818k in two months.

She had reportedly spent the sum on blankets, clothes for men, handbags, cigarettes, furniture, expensive alcohol, beauty products and groceries at a supermarket.

East London Regional Court Magistrate Twanette Olivier sentenced Mani to five years in prison for the crime.

Her sentencing provoked mixed reactions online, with many tweeters noting that her sentence was too harsh for someone who didn’t commit a great crime. They compared her sentence to other cases, especially among the political class, in which people had been sentenced to fewer years behind bars for more significant crimes.

It’s expected her lawyers will appeal the case. Celebrity lawyer Tumi Sole has even offered to help. He tweeted asking for the contact of the accused’s family rep.

Nsfas Fraud: Sibongile Mani Sentenced To 5 Years Behind Bars, Might Appeal Sentence 2Nsfas Fraud: Sibongile Mani Sentenced To 5 Years Behind Bars, Might Appeal Sentence 3

It remains to be seen if the case will be upturned and if Mani will get a reprieve.

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