Police Say There was No R18 Million Was Discovered at Dudu Myeni’s House

• The Claim: Social media posts, reportedly from a publication on X (formerly Twitter), alleged that the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Intervention Unit (NIU) had raided the Richards Bay home of the late Dudu Myeni. These claims stated that during the alleged raid, authorities discovered R18 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and expensive jewelry. The reports specifically mentioned her Richards Bay residence, which is now said to be owned by her son, Thalente.
• The Source of the Rumors (Unofficial): While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact individual or group who initiated the fake news, it gained traction on social media platforms, with some users sharing it widely.

The Official Rebuttal:

The South African Police Service (SAPS) quickly and unequivocally refuted these claims. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe issued a statement confirming that no such raid took place by any of their units, particularly not the NIU. She urged the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it on social media.

Why this rumor might have gained traction (context):

It’s important to understand that while this specific “raid” story is false, Dudu Myeni was a highly controversial figure with a long history of allegations related to corruption and maladministration, particularly during her time as chairperson of South African Airways (SAA) and her involvement with Bosasa.

• State Capture Commission: Myeni was a central figure in the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, where she faced numerous accusations of wrongdoing, including receiving illegal payments and gifts from Bosasa, facilitating corrupt contracts at SAA, and undermining governance at the national airline.
• “Delinquent Director” Status: In May 2020, the Pretoria High Court declared Myeni a “delinquent director” for life, effectively banning her from holding any directorship position, due to her conduct at SAA.
• Fraud and Corruption Charges: She was facing charges of fraud and corruption related to security upgrades at her Richards Bay home and benefits she allegedly received from Bosasa. She was out on bail for these charges.
• Death: Dudu Myeni passed away in June 2024 after a battle with cancer.