A Senior State Advocate and member of the National Prosecuting Authority, 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. They were released on R5000 bail and will be back in court on 07 March 2024.
The charges relate to allegations that in May 2021, the prosecutor (Adv Matabane) allegedly received gratification following his decision to decline to prosecute accused 3, (Lessing) in a fraud case of over R6 million opened by Interwaste at Germiston South African Police Services (SAPS) on the 14 December 2020.
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.
Corruption continues to erode public confidence in the criminal justice system and the NPA will continue entrenching a culture of honesty and integrity by prosecuting its own without fear,favour or prejudice.
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