Don’t ignore unknown calls recent Lotto winner answers and claims R23.6m

A Lotto winner who initially hesitated to answer unknown calls has come forward to claim a R23 555 348.50 prize, highlighting the real possibility that an unsolicited call can be genuine. According to The Citizen, the jackpot ticket from draw 2 654 on 13 June 2026 was purchased via the Absa banking app.

Two recent winners confirmed

According to The Citizen, Sizekhaya Holdings confirmed that two National Lottery winners have claimed their prizes. The larger win R23 555 348.50 came from draw 2 654 on 13 June 2026. A second win, worth R1 332 944.90, was claimed from the second division of the cascading Lotto 5 Max draw (draw 2 667 on 29 July 2026).

Winner’s initial hesitation and Sizekhaya response

The Citizen reports the jackpot winner had been facing severe financial hardship and was initially hesitant to answer unknown calls, finding a R23 million win hard to believe.

“Behind every unclaimed prize is a real person and potentially a life-changing moment waiting to happen,” said Whitney Mafatle, winner service manager at Sizekhaya, as quoted by The Citizen.

How winners can claim and support available

The Citizen outlines the approved claiming routes and support for winners. Winners who placed bets at retail stores can claim immediately at participating stores for wins of up to R10 000. Winners can claim up to R249 999 via the online channel; The Citizen says there are two online claim methods and both are processed within 72 working hours.

Payments can be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) from the Sizekhaya iLottery Wallet. If a bet was placed through a banking app, the money can be auto-paid to the winner’s bank account through online banking channels. Sizekhaya also allows winners who placed bets online and in stores to claim at Sizekhaya offices, where payment will be issued electronically and processed within 72 hours, The Citizen reports.

The Citizen also says winners are offered free and confidential professional counselling and financial guidance to help them manage their winnings and adjust to their new circumstances.

Advice to players

The Citizen emphasises that players should check their tickets and check their banking apps. Players can reach out to the Sizekhaya Call Centre on 086 102 6000 or via the National Lottery website at www.nationallottery.co.za, according to The Citizen.

Why this matters

The case underlines that legitimate wins can arrive by unexpected contact and that checking official channels and claim procedures is important for anyone who plays. The Citizen’s reporting both confirms recent winners and summarises the official claim routes and support available to winners.