GAUTENG – Mbuso Sithole (29), has appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court today on allegations of corruption related to hiring out city of Johannesburg community halls in exchange for cash.
Sithole who is based in Naturena South of Johannesburg was arrested on Tuesday, 25 October 2022. The arrest follows a complaint received from the City’s Group Forensics and Investigation Services (GFIS).
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation commenced swiftly and laid bare the modus operandi of the accused through a sting operation where he was caught red-handed with R750 cash given to him for a booking. It appears Sithole has been taking money meant for bookings/hiring of the City of Johannesburg, Braamfontein halls for himself since after Covid-19 regulations were relaxed.
It has further been established that Sithole is not authorised to receive any money for the hiring of any facilities. Instead members of the community who wishes to hire facilities are expected to electronically do so and provide proof of payment upon approval.
The court granted Sithole R1000 bail, whilst the case was postponed to 10 November 2022 pending further investigation.