By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The Provincial Head of the Hawks(Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) in Mpumalanga, Major-General Nico Gerber, has issued a stern warning to people who enrich themselves at the expense of the public.
Major-General Gerber was responding to the arrest of two members of the Mayoral Council at Emalahleni Local Municipality, aged 54 and 55, on allegations of corruption.
Speaking on behalf of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Lt-Col Magonseni Nkosi said the two councillor were nabbed at the Witbank Dam by the Middleburg-based Serious Corruption Unit on Wednesday 16 April 2025, after they allegedly received R20 000 which is said to be part of an alleged R500 000 bribe demanded from a victim as part as assurance to qualify for the extension of a lease agreement.
Lt-Col Nkosi said information received by the Hawks has revealed that an amount of R40 000 was paid by in February this year and shared amongst the suspects, adding to the R20 000 that was found in the suspects’ possession during their arrest.
“ The R20 000 that was paid on Wednesday was recovered. Two luxury vehicles used during the commission of the crime, were seized. The suspects are expected to appear before Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 17 April 2025,” said Lt-Col Nkosi.
Major-General Gerber said the arrest of the two accused should send a strong warning to other officials.
“ 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. We will at no stage allow people, regardless of their positions, to enrich themselves at the expense of the community,” said General Gerber.
