The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks, has made significant strides in rooting out corruption in sports by arresting three former South African cricket players implicated in a match-fixing scheme during the 2015/2016 domestic T20 Ram Slam Challenge.
The trio, Mr Ethy Mbhalati (43), Mr Thamsanqa Tsolekile (44) and Mr Lonwabo Lennox Tsotsobe (40) were arrested on 18 November 2024, 28 and 29 November 2024 respectively.
The arrests come after a meticulous investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation component of the DPCI, following allegations reported by a whistleblower in October 2016.
Mbhalati has since appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and the matter was postponed to 20 February 2025 for further instructions.
Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were both charged with five counts of corruption under Section 15 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA). They both appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today, 29 November 2024 where their case was postponed to 26 February 2025 for disclosure.
The matter was first reported by Cricket South Africa’s Anti-Corruption Officer after suspicions of match-fixing emerged involving former Protea player Mr Gulam Bodi. Investigations revealed that Mr Bodi approached several players to participate in fixing three T20 Ram Slam matches, working in collusion with bookmakers from India. On that case, the DPCI ensured that Mr Gulam Bodi was arrested in July 2018, pleaded guilty to eight counts of corruption, and was sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment in October 2019.
The other accused, Mr Jean Symes who was arrested in May 2021, pleaded guilty to one count of corruption, and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.
Whilst the third accused, Mr Pumi Matshikwe who was arrested in February 2022, pleaded guilty to one count of corruption and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, National Head of the DPCI, commended the team for their unwavering commitment to tackling corruption, even in sectors where it often goes unnoticed.
“Corruption undermines the integrity of sport, and the Hawks are determined to safeguard the values of fairness and professionalism in all areas of society. We thank Cricket South Africa for their cooperation and commitment to addressing this scourge.”
The DPCI urges all individuals with information on corrupt activities to come forward and report such matters. The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility.
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