R20K in Hand, R500K Demanded — Councillors Face Court Over Bribery

Two high-ranking councillors from Emalahleni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga have been arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe totalling R500,000 in exchange for extending a lease agreement.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that its Middelburg-based Serious Corruption Investigation team apprehended the councillors—aged 54 and 55—at Witbank Dam on Wednesday, 16 April.

Bribery deal unfolds in stages

According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, the pair were caught after allegedly receiving a R20,000 cash payment, which formed part of a larger R500,000 demand made to a local businessperson. That individual had sought a lease extension.

The councillors reportedly received an earlier R40,000 in February 2025, which was allegedly split evenly between them. The R20,000 handed over on Wednesday was recovered by investigators during the arrest.

Nkosi added that two luxury vehicles used during the commission of the crime were seized as part of the operation.

Court appearance and Hawks’ warning

The duo is expected to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Nico Gerber, praised the team’s swift action and issued a strong message 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. Officials who are supposed to drive economic development are instead abusing their power for personal gain.”

The Hawks confirmed that the investigation into the full R500,000 bribery scheme remains ongoing as they aim to uncover the complete extent of the alleged corruption.

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Sourced:IOL

Picture: SAPS