‘Naughty’ councillors out on bail
After spending Easter behind bars, the MMCs were granted bail earlier today.
Clrs Jerry Djiana (MMC: Development Planning) and Busi Hlumbane (MMC: Technical Services) are out on bail.
The two top-notch municipal officials were granted R10 000 bail each.
This follows their weekend stay over behind bars after they were nabbed for allegedly taking gratification.
Three counts of extortion and three counts of corruption are investigated against Dijana and Hlumbane, and a case of defeating the end of justice is also investigated against Dijana.
The MMCs were arrested at Witbank Dam on April 17 in a Hawks sting operation.
@witbanknews In a surprising turn of events, the two Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) suspected of taking gratification will spend the long weekend behind bars. #Witbanknews #emalahleni #Witbank #ELM #HappyEaster #hawks #saps #Fyp ♬ No Panic (30 BG) – Ftarget
They were nabbed at Witbank Dam when they allegedly took gratification of R20 000 each.
This is allegedly not the first time the duo took gratification.
The Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, said the two councillors, aged 54 and 55 years old, allegedly received a previous payment of R40 000 that is part of an alleged R500 000 gratification demanded for the victim to qualify for the extension of a lease agreement.
2 top councillors to spend Easter weekend behind bars
https://t.co/NVXAk8njU7 #Witbank #news #headlinesthatmatter #councillors #CrimeNews #hawks— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) April 17, 2025
The councillor’s vehicles were also seized.
They are expected back in court on June 4.
@witbanknews DA at Witbank Magistrates Court this morning stands against corruption in eMalahleni Municipality during the formal bail application for MMC J Djiana and MMC B Hlumbane, who were allegedly arrested for corruption and extortion. The MK Party also added their voice against corruption, emphasising the need for accountability. #witnbanknews #emalahleni #Witbank #MMC ♬ original sound – witbanknews
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