Around 200 of the 470 transactions Scorpio analysed between 2017 and 2018 are point-on-sale transactions. A bank card is used in these transactions and the shop and location of the sale is recorded on the bank statements.
The Opulent Experience Marquee was one of 30 tents pitched for the Durban July that year. Whether the half-million VBS-rand payment relates to a business venture for Malema, or entrance to the tent, is uncertain at this stage. Malema did not answer questions relating to this payment. Mahuna Investments received another R1.8-million in VBS loot towards the last part of 2017, while the same spending trend followed Malema towards Christmas and right into the new year of 2018. In early December 2017, on the 12, Malema addressed the EFF’s student command at the Stay City Hotel in Johannesburg. On the same day, the Mahuna Investments bank card paid for a shopping spree at Sandton City Gucci , Louis Vuitton , Total Sports and Checkers Hyper .
During 17 to 19 July 2018, the bank card paid over R6,200 for fuel, accommodation in Christiana and Rustenburg, a purchase at a Mmabatho pharmacy and Nando’s in Vryburg. The social media accounts of Malema, the EFF and their followers place Malema in each town on the dates the point-on-sale payments were made.
On the same date, Malema bought R1,470 at a Liquor store in Polokwane. Another payment of R4,521 was recorded at the same store on the following day. In the light of how the Mahuna Investments bank card followed him around the country, his denials seem to enter the realm of a statistical impossibility.
Scorpio grouped several payments that seemingly fit together. Not all of these themes can be described yet and necessitate further investigation. The Polokwane party venue Mekete Lodge seems to be Mahuna Investments’ single biggest expense – a business venture Malema, EFF member Herbert Matlaila and at least three of Malema’s direct family members, including Phaleng, seem to be deeply involved in.
Malema has a long history with the venue. It was once owned by a close friend, the now-deceased Matome Hlabioa, who died in 2015. It is not certain who the real owner of Mekete Lodge is. Malema’s cousin Tshepo Malema and the EFF’s Herbert Matlaila seem to be involved with the marketing of the event.