The Emalahleni Local Municipality’s two Mayoral Committee members will appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 17 April 2025, after police arrested them for alleged corruption involving a lease agreement.
Arrest Made at Witbank Dam
The South African Police Service reports that the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit based in Middelburg arrested the councillors, aged 54 and 55, at the Witbank Dam on Wednesday.
Authorities allegedly caught them receiving R20 000 in cash, which forms part of a larger R500 000 bribe.
According to information from the Hawks, the R20 000 received on Wednesday, 16 April 2025. Followed an earlier payment of R40 000 made in February.
Investigators say they demanded a total bribe of R500 000, allegedly in exchange for approving the extension of a municipal lease.
Hawks believe the two suspects shared the money equally.
Bribe Money Recovered and Assets Confiscated
Authorities recovered the R20 000 paid on Wednesday, 16 April during the operation.
They also seized two luxury vehicles that the suspects allegedly used during the commission of the crime.
Hawks Warn Against Abuse of Power
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the arrests and issued a stern warning to public officials.
“We will at no stage allow people, regardless of their positions, to enrich themselves at the expense of the community,” said Gerber.
“Honest business people are forced to pay bribes to contribute to job creation and employment. This should send a stern warning to officials.” he added.
What do you think should happen to public officials found guilty of demanding bribes?
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