Mpumalanga court interpreters in court for corruption

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Mhala Regional Court interpreter in Mpumalanga has been released on bail following short court appearance on Monday.

The 47 years old Simon Sibuyi was arrested on the same day the Hawks in the province on allegations of corruption.

“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 his brother was not legally represented by Legal Aid Attorney, he could arrange a representative, but he had to pay gratification.”

This is according to police spokesperson in the area Captain Dineo Sekgotodi who said that the matter only got reported to the police when the complainants told Sibuyi that they only R 1000 to offer but he refused and asked for R 2500 which was later raised by the family members before reporting the matter to the police.

They deposited the money into his Capitec Bank. He paid the mother R 2000 back after hearing that the matter was being investigated by the police and promised to pay back the remaining amount.

A warrant of arrested was issued against him and the matter was postponed to October 23 after being released on R 5000 bail.

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 experience 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 to 19 November 2023.