MPUMALANGA REGIONAL COURT INTERPRETER ARRESTED FOR CORRUPTION
MPUMALANGA: Timothy Sibuyi (47), Mhala Regional Court interpreter was arrested and appeared in court on 18 September 2023.
The appearance of Sibuyi followed after he was arrested on a warrant of arrest by the Hawks Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation team.
It is alleged that on 17 November 2022, Sibuyi approached the brother of an accused person who was arrested for a rape case. He invited him to his office at Mhala Magistrates’ Court. He told him that since the Legal Aid Attorney did not legally represent his brother, he could arrange a representative, but he had to pay gratification.
“When the complainant offered him R1000, he refused, stating that the money was too little and demanded R2500.00. The money was raised by the family, and R2500 was deposited into his Capitec bank account.” said the Spokesperson for the Hawks, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi
“The complainant reported the matter to the police and the case was transferred to Nelspruit Serious Corruption Investigation for further probe,” she continued
After the accused heard that a corruption case was opened, he approached the mother of the complainant, paid R2000 back, and promised to settle the outstanding amount later.
After a thorough investigation by the Hawks, a warrant for his arrest was authorized. The accused was released on R5000 bail, and the case was postponed to 16 October 2023.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks applauded the team for the speedy finalization of the case. He further urged the community to come forward if they had similar experiences with the interpreter.
“That this is not an isolated incident. Corruption will not stop if we as citizens do not report and say enough is enough”!
During April 2021, a Calcutta Court Interpreter Zizwe Zitha (40) was also arrested for the same crime and modus operandi. His case was transferred to Nelspruit Regional Court on 19 November 2023.
The General concluded by warning all officials to serve the country with integrity. You are employed to serve your community and not to enrich yourself by exploiting people’s vulnerabilities.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
