Johannesburg, South Africa – Actress Nolwazi Shange, known for her role in the popular television drama Scandal!, is facing serious allegations of fraud.
She is accused of embezzling nearly R700 000 from the production of the television series Queen Modjadji. The case, which has been confirmed by police, highlights a significant breach of trust within the South African television industry.
According to sources who spoke to Daily Sun, Shange worked as a casting manager for Queen Modjadji. Her responsibilities included recruiting agencies to provide extras for the show. The process involved agencies submitting invoices for services rendered. However, allegations suggest that Shange manipulated these invoices to divert funds to an unknown company linked to her.
"Nolwazi worked on the set as a casting manager. She recruited agencies with extras, and after they had rendered their services, they were asked to send invoices. The different companies sent their invoices, but she did the most despicable thing ever," one source revealed.
"She changed the amounts and bank details so the money would go to another unknown company associated with her. People from the agencies went to Rhythm World demanding payment and claiming they were never paid. This was a surprise for the production company, so investigations were started, and they discovered what she had done."
Following the discovery of the alleged fraudulent activity, Shange’s legal representatives reportedly attempted to negotiate a settlement with Rhythm World, the production company.
"Her lawyers sat down with the people from Rhythm World and asked them not to open a case against her," a second source explained.
"Negotiations took place, and they reached an agreement that she would repay the money. However, a month after the agreement was made, it fell apart, and Rhythm World opened a fraud case against Nolwazi. They want her to face the consequences of her actions. They want her to pay back the money."
The impact of the alleged fraud is far-reaching. Several agencies involved in providing extras for the show claim they have yet to receive payment for their services. One agency owner detailed their experience: "We were asked to send invoices through Word document, and that’s how they changed them and added their own amounts and changed our account details.
There was a company with a strange name that nobody knew about, so I started asking around, and we saw that all the money that was meant to come to us went to that account. I still haven’t been paid. I’m still waiting for my money."
When contacted for comment, Shange denied any knowledge of the allegations.
"I don’t know about it. My contract with Queen Modjadji ended about three months ago, so I don’t know," she stated.
Police spokeswoman Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a fraud case has been opened and is currently under investigation.
"I would like to confirm that a case of fraud was opened, and the investigation is underway," she said.
Rhythm World, through their publicist Thanduxolo Jindela, declined to comment on the matter, citing the involvement of their legal team.
"We're unable to provide further details on the matter as it's handled by our legal team," Jindela stated. "We kindly request that you allow the legal process to proceed."
The case against Shange is now before the courts. The outcome will have significant implications for her career and will undoubtedly raise questions about financial accountability within the South African entertainment industry. The investigation continues, and further details are expected to emerge as the legal process unfolds.
