MAHIKENG — A sitting Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, has been arrested following a joint entrapment operation for allegedly attempting to bribe Special Investigating Unit (SIU) officials. The Thulamela Local Municipality representative is accused of offering cash to interfere with an ongoing anti-corruption probe in the North West.
The SIU is currently investigating the Mahikeng Local Municipality for alleged maladministration and corruption tied to two lease agreement tenders. Forensic examinations conducted by the unit uncovered questionable financial transactions, revealing that funds were diverted from a municipal service provider to various unrelated third-party companies and individuals.
In an effort to derail this investigation, Gumani allegedly attempted to buy the silence of SIU personnel. According to the anti-corruption agency, the councillor initially approached a junior investigator, who immediately rejected the proposition outright. Undeterred, Gumani allegedly targeted a senior investigator, offering a total of R70,000 to “close one eye” and ignore critical evidence. The SIU also noted that a third official, based at the unit’s headquarters, was approached in a similar manner.
The scheme culminated on 18 June 2026. During a scheduled meeting in Mahikeng, Gumani handed over R10,000 in cash as an initial installment of the R70,000 bribe. Prior to this exchange, the SIU had reported the solicitation to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks. With authorization from these law enforcement bodies, an entrapment operation was executed. Gumani was apprehended on the spot immediately after transferring the cash. The R10,000 was confiscated and tallied in the direct presence of the arresting officers.
Addressing the incident, the SIU released a statement reaffirming its commitment to ethical conduct. The unit emphasized that its forensic staff maintain the highest standards of integrity. Furthermore, the SIU highlighted that this arrest serves as a strict deterrent, warning that corruption remains entirely unacceptable and that anyone attempting to compromise its investigators will face the full might of the law.
Following his apprehension, Gumani made his first appearance at the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng. The corruption case has been officially postponed to 29 June 2026, at which point the councillor will formally apply for bail.
