A 46-year-old District Court prosecutor stationed in Mashishing (Lydenburg), Renie Mathule Tjebane, appeared in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court today, November 9, on charges of fraud and corruption.

The Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) press release incorrectly identified Tjebane as a woman. However, Lowvelder has independently confirmed that Tjebane is a man.

It is alleged that on July 13, two people who are now witnesses in the case against Tjebane were due to appear in court on charges relating to drinking and driving.

Tjebane allegedly solicited R14 000 from them under the false pretence that the money was needed to pay a fine to finalise their cases.

“Acting on the alleged misrepresentation, the witnesses obtained a loan and returned with R14 000, believing they were paying a legitimate court fine,” said NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

“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,” added Nyuswa.

She said a few weeks later, the witnesses were contacted by the police regarding the status of their cases.

“It was subsequently discovered that the R14 000 had allegedly not been paid as a fine and that their matters had not been finalised as represented to them,” said Nyuswa.

“The matter was reported to the police, a criminal case was registered, and Tjebane was subsequently arrested,” she added.

Tjebane made his first appearance in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court today and was granted R5 000 bail.

The matter was postponed to January 18, 2027, for further investigation.

NPA views allegations in serious light

“Allegations of criminal conduct involving an official entrusted with upholding the law are particularly concerning and must be dealt with through the appropriate legal processes,” said Nyuswa.

She added that the NPA remained committed to the principles of integrity, accountability and ethical conduct.

“No individual is above the law, irrespective of their position within the organisation. Where allegations of criminal conduct arise against an NPA official, the law must be allowed to take its course without fear, favour or prejudice,” Nyuswa said.

Nyuswa said that, in addition to the criminal proceedings, the NPA would institute appropriate internal processes in accordance with its applicable policies and procedures.

“These processes will be conducted separately from, and without prejudicing, the criminal proceedings,” concluded Nyuswa.

*This article was amended after publishing