Cape Town – Two senior councillors from the Emalahleni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga have been arrested in a dramatic sting operation at Witbank Dam.
The arrests were carried out by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, following allegations of a R500,000 bribery scheme related to the extension of a municipal lease agreement.
The two ANC Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), aged 54 and 55, were caught red-handed receiving R20,000 in cash—allegedly part of the larger bribe.
2 ANC MMCs from Emalahleni Municipality who went to receive corrupt money from unknown people at witbank dam and got arrested by Hawks. pic.twitter.com/fHqvbJp8km
— Tebogo Mahlangu (@ST_Mahlangu) April 16, 2025
Investigators revealed that a previous payment of R40,000 was made in February. Both payments were allegedly split equally between the councillors.
During the sting, authorities recovered the R20,000 in cash and seized two luxury vehicles believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
[TWO EMALAHLENI MMCs TO SPEND A COLD NIGHT BEHIND BARS]
Two Members of the Mayoral Committee 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… pic.twitter.com/KH4MsJkK0V
— South African Justice, Crime Prevention & Security (@RSA_JCPS) April 16, 2025
In a statement released by SAPS, Major General Nico Gerber said: “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.”
He added: “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.”
The councillors are expected to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court as investigations into the broader bribery scheme continue.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Mpumalanga have welcomed the arrests and released a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
♦️Media Statement♦️
For Immediate Release
Date: 16 April 2025EFF MPUMALANGA OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON WELCOMING THE ARREST OF TWO ANC
MMCs IN EMALAHLENI MUNICIPALITY. pic.twitter.com/YwCh9bj9JF— @Mpumalanga _EFF (@MpumalangaEff) April 16, 2025
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Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
