State prosecutor and officer in court on corruption charges
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Photo: NPA
State prosecutor together with two accused have been released on R 5000 bail following an arrest on corruption allegations case.
The prosecutor, Phuti Freddy Matabane, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Lucky Thabethe and a civilian Daniel Bejamin Lessing appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court, facing serious charges of corruption.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said that Adv Matabane allegedly declined to prosecute Mr Lessing in a fraud case of over R6 million opened by Interwaste at Germiston South African Police Services (SAPS) on the 14 December 2020.
As a result of his action for declining to prosecute, he allegedly received gratification.
“Investigation revealed that in June 2020, all accused persons embarked on a hunting trip, allegedly paid for by accused 3 following Matabane’s decision to decline prosecution.”
“The case was brought to light by a private investigation firm hired by Interwaste after they had suspicion of corruption. The findings by the investigation firm prompted investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Detective and Forensic Division.”
The case was postponed to March 7th, 2024.
