A Mhala Regional Court interpreter has been sentenced to five years direct imprisonment after demanding a R2 500 bribe to facilitate legal representation.

Innocent Timothy Sibuyi (49) was convicted and sentenced in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court on Friday, July 17, for demanding and receiving a R2 500 bribe from a complainant.

Bribe demanded for ‘cold drink’

The court heard that on November 17, 2022, Sibuyi called the brother of a rape suspect into his office.

He offered to ‘facilitate’ an attorney for the accused, who did not qualify for Legal Aid. For this service, Sibuyi demanded gratification.

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When the complainant offered him R1 000, Sibuyi refused, saying the amount was too little.

“He demanded at least R2 500, saying it was for his cold drink,” said former Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi at the time.

The family raised the money and paid R2 500 into Sibuyi’s bank account.

Sekgotodi said the complainant reported the matter to Mhala police.

The case was then transferred to the Hawks in Mbombela for investigation.

“After the accused learnt that a corruption case had been opened against him, he approached the mother of the complainant and paid back R2 000. He promised to settle the outstanding amount later,” Sekgotodi said.

Sibuyi was subsequently arrested.

The Mhala Regional Court, where he previously worked, granted him R5 000 bail on the day of his arrest. The matter was later transferred to the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court, where it was postponed several times before Sibuyi was convicted and sentenced.

Hawks welcome sentence

The Hawks welcomed the sentence, saying it sent a clear message that corruption within the criminal justice system would not be tolerated.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain are brought to justice,” said Mpumalanga Head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber.