Mashishing prosecutor granted R5 000 bail in alleged R14 000 bribery case

A 46-year-old prosecutor stationed in Mashishing (Lydenburg) has been granted R5 000 bail after appearing in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud and corruption linked to an alleged R14 000 bribery scheme.

Renie Mathule Tjebane appeared in court on Monday, November 9, following his arrest over allegations that he solicited money from two individuals who were facing drinking-and-driving charges.

According to the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the alleged incident took place on July 13, when the two individuals, who are now witnesses in the case, were due to appear in court.

Tjebane allegedly demanded R14 000 from them, claiming that the money was required to settle a court fine and bring their cases to an end.

NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the two individuals allegedly obtained a loan to raise the money before handing it over to the prosecutor, believing they were paying a legitimate court fine.

“After receiving the money, Tjebane allegedly informed the witnesses that their cases had been finalised. However, the matters had not been finalised and remained under investigation,” Nyuswa said.

The alleged scheme came to light several weeks later when the witnesses were contacted by police regarding the progress of their cases.

Further enquiries reportedly revealed that the R14 000 had not been paid as a fine and that their cases had not been finalised as they had been led to believe.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, resulting in a criminal case being opened and Tjebane's arrest.

The prosecutor made his first court appearance on November 9 and was granted bail of R5 000. The case has been postponed to January 18, 2027, to allow for further investigations.

NPA condemns alleged misconduct

The NPA has expressed serious concern over the allegations, particularly given the accused's position within the criminal justice system.

Nyuswa said allegations of criminal conduct involving an official entrusted with upholding the law were particularly concerning and should be addressed through the appropriate legal processes.

She reaffirmed the NPA's commitment to integrity, accountability and ethical conduct, emphasising that no individual is above the law, regardless of their position within the organisation.

The NPA further indicated that it would institute appropriate internal disciplinary processes in line with its policies and procedures.

These internal processes will be conducted separately from the criminal proceedings and will not prejudice the ongoing court case.

Tjebane is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.