Former Scandal! actress Nolwazi Shange to appear in court over R700,000 theft

Renowned actress Nolwazi Shange is set to appear before the Brixton Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg on May 23, facing serious charges of fraud and cybercrime. The case stems from allegations that she misappropriated nearly R700,000 from the production of the TV series Queen Modjadji in 2024.

Fraud Allegations Against Nolwazi Shange

Shange, who worked on the production as a casting manager, allegedly manipulated payment details from extras agencies, diverting funds into a company linked to her. The accusations were brought forward by Rhythm World, the production company behind Queen Modjadji, after several agencies reported non-payment for their services.

How the Alleged Fraud Was Discovered

A source familiar with the matter explained how the scam unfolded:

“Nolwazi was responsible for recruiting agencies that supplied extras for the show. After the agencies had rendered their services, they sent invoices to the production company. However, instead of processing the payments correctly, she allegedly altered the invoice amounts and banking details, redirecting the money to another company associated with her.”

When the affected agencies demanded payment from Rhythm World, the production company was caught by surprise, leading to an internal investigation that exposed the irregularities.

“Agencies came to the production company claiming they were never paid. This was shocking for Rhythm World, prompting an investigation, which revealed what she had done,” the source added.

Shange Denies Involvement

When initially approached by the SunTeam, Nolwazi 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.

Despite her denial, the investigation gathered enough evidence for her arrest and subsequent court appearances.

Court Proceedings and Charges

Shange first appeared in court on March 26, where the case was postponed to allow further investigations.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed the next court date:

“The next court date is May 23. She is charged with fraud and cybercrime and will be appearing at the Brixton Magistrates’ Court.”

Potential Legal Consequences

If found guilty, Nolwazi Shange could face serious legal consequences, including jail time, fines, or restitution payments to the affected companies. Fraud and cybercrime are serious offenses in South Africa, with penalties depending on the scale of the crime and the court’s ruling.

Impact on Her Career

Shange is a respected figure in the entertainment industry, known for her roles in TV series and films. However, these allegations could damage her reputation and affect future job opportunities. The entertainment industry is highly competitive, and trust is a crucial factor in securing roles in major productions.

Next Steps in the Case

As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of the fraud and whether additional individuals were involved. The court proceedings on May 23 will be a critical moment in determining Shange’s legal fate.

Meanwhile, Rhythm World and the affected agencies are likely to pursue further action to recover the lost funds and ensure justice is served.

Public Reaction and Industry Response

The case has sparked discussions within the South African entertainment industry about financial transparency and accountability in production management. Many are calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

For now, all eyes will be on the Brixton Magistrates’ Court on May 23, where Nolwazi Shange will answer to the charges that could significantly impact her life and career.