Former Mhala court official jailed for 5 years after demanding bribe
Innocent Timothy Sibuyi tried to pay back part of a bribe after learning police were investigating his extortion demands.
Former court official Innocent Timothy Sibuyi (49) has been sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment in the Nelspruit Commercial Crimes Court for demanding and receiving a R2 500 bribe.
The sentencing took place on Friday, July 17, after Sibuyi solicited the money from a complainant to facilitate legal representation.
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 a bribe.
When the complainant offered him R1 000, Sibuyi refused, saying the amount was too little.
Family pays bribe into bank account
“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 the 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.
State proves guilt beyond doubt
He previously pleaded not guilty to the offence, but the state managed to prove its case against him beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in his conviction.
“We remain committed to ensuring that all individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain are brought to justice,” said the Mpumalanga head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Monica Nyuswa, said the organisation remains opposed to corruption in all forms.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence, which sends a strong message that corruption by officials entrusted with the administration of justice will not be tolerated and that those who abuse positions of trust will be held accountable,” said Nyuswa.
