Timothy Sibuyi (47), an interpreter at the Mhala Regional Court in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, appeared in court yesterday after being arrested by the Hawks’ Mbombela-based Serious Corruption Investigation team.

It is alleged that on November 17, Sibuyi approached the brother of a rape accused and invited him to his office at the court. Sibuyi allegedly told him that as his brother was not legally represented by a Legal Aid attorney, he (Sibuyi) could arrange a representative, but the family had to pay gratification.

In a media statement released yesterday, the Hawks alleged that when the complainant offered him R1 000, he refused, stating that the money was too little, and demanding R2 500. The money was apparently raised by the family and deposited into his bank account.

The complainant reported the matter to the police and the case was transferred to the Nelspruit Serious Corruption Investigation Unit for investigation.

After a thorough investigation by the Hawks, a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The accused was released on R5 000 bail and the case was postponed to October 16.

The provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber, applauded the team for the speedy finalisation of the case.

He urges the community to come forward if they have had a similar experience with the interpreter. “Corruption will not stop if we as citizens do not report [it] and say enough is enough.”

In April 2021, a Calcutta court interpreter, Zizwe Zitha (40), was arrested for a similar crime. His case was transferred to the Nelspruit Regional Court, where he is due to appear on November 19.

Gerber warned all officials to serve the country with integrity.

“You are employed to serve your community and not to enrich yourself by exploiting people’s vulnerabilities,” he said.