Two members of Mayoral Council in Emalahleni Local Municipality will spend a night behind bars after they were arrested for corruption.
The two councillors, aged 54 and 55 were arrested at Witbank dam by the Middelburg-based Serious Corruption, after receiving R20 000 gratification that is part of an alleged R500 000 gratification demanded for the victim to qualify for the extension of a lease agreement.
According to information, the R20 000 paid on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, followed a R40 000 payment in February 2025 and was equally shared between the suspects.
The R20 000 that was paid on Wednesday was recovered. Two luxury vehicles used during the commission of crime were seized.
The suspects are expected to appear before Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 17 April 2025.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Nico Gerber welcomed the arrest. “We will at no stage allow people regardless of their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of the community. Honest business people are forced to pay bribes to ensure that they can contribute to job creation and employment. Officials who form part of ensuring economic growth abuse their positions to benefit themselves. As the Hawks, we will never stop to eradicate corruption in whatever form. This should send a stern warning to officials!,” added the General.
