Postgraduate student Sibongile Mani, then 32, found herself in an unprecedented situation when she discovered an astronomical sum of nearly $1,000,000 mistakenly deposited into her bank account.
Hailing from South Africa and attending Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Mani was accustomed to relying on modest benefits to support her studies, typically receiving around $100 monthly for essential expenses.
However, one fateful morning, Mani awoke to an extraordinary windfall.
Instead of the usual assistance, a government aid scheme had erroneously wired an astonishing 14 million rands (approximately $760,000) into her account.
Presented with an unexpected dilemma, Mani made a life-altering decision to embrace the opportunity and indulge in lavish spending.
Reports say Mani embarked on an extravagant shopping spree over the ensuing days, splurging on high-end designer attire, the latest iPhone model, and extravagant liquor bottles.
Her reckless expenditure amounted to over $40,000 before her misstep caught up with her.
The telltale evidence emerged in the form of a bank receipt inadvertently left behind at a local supermarket. The conspicuous spending raised eyebrows, prompting inquiries and eventually leading to Mani’s apprehension.
Samkelo Mqhayi, branch secretary of the South African Students Congress, remarked on the sudden surge in Mani’s expenditures, noting her extravagant parties and lavish gifts to friends.
In 2017, Mani faced the consequences of her actions when she was arrested and charged with theft and fraud.
Subsequently, in 2022, she received a five-year prison sentence. However, her lawyer, Asanda Pakade, appealed the decision, arguing that Mani posed no threat to society and did not actively seek the erroneously deposited funds.
During a hearing at the East London High Court in Makhanda in 2023, two judges opted to suspend Mani’s sentence, contingent upon her refraining from further criminal activity.
Additionally, she was mandated to complete 14 weeks of community service and undergo counseling. Notably, she was not required to reimburse the misappropriated funds.
Following the court’s decision to suspend her sentence, Pakade conveyed Mani’s relief and optimism for the future. Despite the tumultuous ordeal, Mani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rebuild her life and eagerly anticipated embarking on a fresh start.
As Mani endeavors to put the past behind her, she remains determined to embrace the chance at redemption and forge ahead with renewed vigor and resilience.
