Manyaba Rubben Mohlaloga, a former ANC MP, was ordered to hand himself over to the courts to begin his 20-year prison sentence. Image: Supplied via ICASA.
(The Post News)– Rubben Mohlaloga, former ANC MP and chairperson of the Agriculture and Land Affairs Committee, has officially begun serving his 20-year prison sentence as of 23 October 2025. This follows a long legal battle stemming from a 2008 Land Bank fraud case.
Mohlaloga’s sentencing marks the conclusion of a protracted legal process that began with a Hawks investigation into an irregular payment from the Land Bank’s Agri-BEE Fund in 2008. In February 2008, a sum of R6 million was moved from the fund into a law firm’s trust account, with the bulk of the money ultimately benefiting Mohlaloga.
Within just three months, the entire grant had been exhausted, yet none of it had been used for its intended purpose—supporting emerging Black farmers, as originally mandated by Parliament through the Land Bank’s R100 million Agri-BEE Fund. According to News24, the Land Bank flagged the transaction and alerted the Hawks, leading to Mohlaloga’s arrest and eventual conviction.
Court Sentence in 2019
The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court originally handed down the sentence on 14 February 2019. Mohlaloga appealed the conviction, but the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed his final attempt earlier this year, clearing the way for his incarceration.
In rejecting his grounds for appeal, the SCA noted that he played a vital role in committing the crimes. It was also noted that at the time, he was an elected and trusted member of Parliament. During the trial, it was revealed that Mohlaloga had used the funds, intended for agricultural development, to purchase luxury vehicles and properties.
His actions were deemed a gross abuse of public trust, especially given his role as chairperson of the committee overseeing land reform and agricultural empowerment. Lieutenant General Patrick Mbotho, the acting head of the Hawks, praised both the investigative and prosecutorial teams for their exceptional dedication and thoroughness.
“This case is a clear demonstration that the Hawks and the justice system remain resolute in bringing those who abuse positions of trust and authority to justice,” he said.
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