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.
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.
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).
