Home News R8.5 million Lotto winner claims prize after weeks of searching

R8.5 million Lotto winner claims prize after weeks of searching

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After weeks of urging the lucky player to come forward, the National Lottery operator, Ithuba, has announced that the R8.5 million Lotto Plus 1 jackpot from the September 18 draw has finally been claimed.

The winner of the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot travelled to Gqeberha to validate his winning ticket, because he felt word would travel in the small community of Nomathamsanqa. Picture: Ithuba

AFTER weeks of urging the lucky player to come forward, the National Lottery operator, Ithuba, has announced that the R8.5 million Lotto Plus 1 jackpot from the September 18 draw has finally been claimed.

The winner, a grandfather from the township of Nomathamsanqa, visited Ithuba’s offices in Gqeberha to collect his prize.

Ithuba had announced last month that the winning ticket was bought at a Usave store operating out of a converted shipping container in the heart of Nomathamsanqa, a modest township nestled in the small town of Addo, around 80km from Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

“Accompanied by his son, daughter and grandson, the elderly gentleman said that he only checked his ticket on October 2, 2024, after many prompts from his family,” Ithuba said.

The winner told Ithuba: “I decided to cool off a bit before checking my ticket, however, my family insisted that I check, as it had been reported that the winner was a local.”

Rather than validating the ticket at the Usave Box where it was purchased, the winner made the trip to Gqeberha to ensure his privacy. “Unfortunately, we are a small community and word gets around very quickly,” he explained.

The winner, who follows the Christian faith, told Ithuba that before making any decisions about his winnings, he would consult with his ancestors for guidance. He also mentioned that he plans to secure medical aid for both himself and his wife.

Ithuba said the winner had spent R50 on quick-pick and his story has captured the hearts of many.

Ithuba CEO Charmaine Mabuza called the story “heart-warming,” saying, “The story of this winner has inspired many South Africans, particularly those in the Eastern Cape. It has created great excitement around the country, as the winning ticket was bought at a Usave store operating out of a converted shipping container …”

The lucky grandfather also confirmed that he regularly plays both Lotto and PowerBall twice a week.

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