Two senior councillors serving on the Mayoral Committee for the Emalahleni Local Municipality, were arrested on Wednesday evening at Witbank Dam in a sting operation led by the Hawks.
The men, aged 54 and 55, were allegedly caught accepting a R20 000 bribe – part of an alleged R500 000 demand linked to the extension of a lease agreement. This follows a R40 000 payment made earlier in February. According to authorities, the suspects split the money evenly.
Both officials spent the night behind bars and are scheduled to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday, 17 April).
Two luxury vehicles used during the illicit transaction were seized at the scene.
“We will at no stage allow people, regardless of their positions, to enrich themselves at the expense of the community,” said Major General Nico Gerber from the Hawks. “This should send a stern warning to officials."