BETHAL – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Mpumalanga is looking for Mr Sam Bruce Tshabalala (25) after he failed twice to appear in court.
The local businessman, originally from Bethal, has been charged with fraud and was expected to appear in the eMalahleni Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 6 March, and on Friday, 13 March in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court.
He was expected to appear on several charges, including fraud, corruption and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
He is out on bail of R200 000 and R500 000 respectively for two cases.
Mr Tshabalala was first arrested in September last year following an investigation initiated by the Department of Home Affairs about his status in the country.
He allegedly tried to derail the investigations by allegedly bribing an official from the department to drop the probe.
Mr Tshabalala paid R50 000 to the official and was nabbed by the Mpumalanga Hawks immediately after paying the bribe money.
His car at the time was also impounded. He was granted R200 000 bail pending further investigations.
Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, Provincial Hawks spokesperson, said Mr Tshabalala allegedly paid R120 000 bribe money in a R50 000 down payment and later R70 000 which led to his arrest.
“He was released on R500 000 bail by the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court pending his appearance on 13 March. He decided not to turn up and two warrants of arrests have been issued against him.
The Hawks have seen a suicide note that was sent to his wife claiming that he is going to commit suicide.
“Despite the note, anyone with information which can lead to the arrest of Tshabalala is urged to contact the investigating officers Col Danie Hall at 071 481 3281 or Capt Dietlof Meyer at 071481 2977. All information will be kept confidential.”
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