“I did not steal any money”: Minnie Dlamini responds to SIU probe into NLC funds

Minnie Dlamini fires back at SIU, rejects theft narrative

Media personality Minnie Dlamini has spoken out following reports that she agreed to repay R50,000 after an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the misuse of National Lotteries Commission (NLC) funds.

The controversy stems from a 2016 booking in which Minnie was paid a professional appearance fee for an event that ultimately did not go ahead.

According to the SIU, the payment formed part of funds under investigation, prompting the public body to include her name in its statements on the matter.

In response, Minnie took to Instagram to release a detailed statement, distancing herself from any wrongdoing and criticising the SIU for what she described as an unfair attack on her reputation.

“I am deeply disappointed by the Special Investigating Unit’s decision to issue a public statement that has sought to intentionally and unfairly damage my reputation in relation to a matter I was never involved in, nor had any knowledge of,” she wrote.

Minnie explained that she was booked for a legitimate professional engagement and paid R50,000 for services that never materialised because the event was cancelled.

“This was a standard commercial booking, no different to the many bookings I have undertaken throughout my career,” she said, adding that non-refundable appearance fees are common practice when organisers cancel events.

She further stressed that she had no way of knowing where the organisers sourced the funds used to pay her.

“At no point was I made aware, nor could I reasonably have known, the source of the funds used by the organisers to book me. I do not involve myself in unlawful activities, and I categorically reject any narrative that suggests otherwise,” Minnie stated.

Addressing her decision to repay the money nearly a decade later, Minnie said she struggled to retrieve some documents from 2016 due to the passage of time.

Ultimately, she chose to refund the amount to avoid prolonged public association with the matter.

“Given the minimal amount involved, and in order to avoid prolonged association with a matter that I was never involved in, I made the pragmatic decision to repay the amount, not because I did anything wrong, but because R50,000 is not worth the reputational harm to my name, my brand, or my business,” she wrote.

She was emphatic in rejecting any suggestion of theft.

“It is critical to be clear. I did not steal any money. I was a service provider booked for a job,” Minnie said.

The TV star also accused the SIU of singling her out publicly while implying wrongdoing where none existed, describing the situation as “irresponsible, unfair, and deeply damaging”.

“My reputation is my livelihood. I have built my brand over many years through hard work, integrity, and professionalism,” she added, noting that she reserves her rights regarding the matter.

Minnie’s statement sparked strong reactions from fans, fellow celebrities and friends, many of whom rallied behind her.

Somizi Mhlongo weighed in, suggesting Minnie had been unfairly targeted.

“Babe u were the sacrificial lamb. You are Minnie Dlamini. They had to use yo name to distract us from the actual thieves. I mean make it make sense. How cud they publicly go crazy about R50k over R29m. Who stole the balance of R28 950 000.00. Nxa shame on them,” he commented.

Actress Amanda du Pont also defended Minnie, highlighting the realities of the entertainment industry.

“As if we earn enough to do background checks for each booking 🙄 please man! Half the time we have no in-depth understanding of who the client is besides a general google search,” she wrote.

She added that cancelled bookings often result in financial loss for talent, making non-refundable fees standard practice, and described the coverage around Minnie as “sensationalist junk and diversions to real truths”.