A senior State advocate, a Lieutenant Colonel from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), and a civilian have been granted bail in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng on charges of corruption.
Advocate Phuti Freddy Matabane, Lieutenant Colonel Lucky Thabethe, and Daniel Benjamin Lessing were each granted R5,000 bail.
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The charges against them relate to allegations of corruption that took place in May 2021. It is alleged that during this time, Matabane received gratification after his decision not to prosecute Lessing in a fraud case involving over R6 million.
The case was opened by Interwaste at the Germiston police station on December 14, 2020.
According to Phindi Mjonondwane, the Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the investigation revealed that in June 2021, all three accused persons went on a hunting trip allegedly paid for by Lessing. This trip came following Matabane’s decision to decline prosecution.
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The case was brought to light by a private investigation firm hired by Interwaste, who had suspicions of corruption. The findings of the investigation firm prompted the National Anti-Corruption Detective and Forensic Division to launch an investigation into the matter.
Mjonondwane emphasized that corruption continues to erode public confidence in the criminal justice system. The NPA is committed to upholding a culture of honesty and integrity by prosecuting its own members without fear, favor, or prejudice.
The court has postponed the matter to March 7, where further proceedings will take place.
