SA cricketers arrested for 2016 match-fixing saga
The Hawks have arrested three former South African cricket players, Ethy Mbhalati, Thami Tsolekile, and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who were involved in a match-fixing operation during the local T20 Ram Slam Challenge in 2015–2016.
The revelation was verified by the Hawks, also known as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in a statement issued on Friday.
Mbhalati, the only one of the three players who hasn’t played for his nation, was detained on November 18; Tsotsobe was arrested on Friday; and Tsolekile was arrested on Thursday.
“The arrests come after a meticulous investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation component of the DPCI, following allegations reported by a whistleblower in October 2016,” the statement said.
The case was postponed until 20 February 2025 for further instructions, after Mbhalati’s previous appearance in the Pretoria Specialized Commercial Crimes Court.
“Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were both charged with five counts of corruption under Section 15 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA),” the statement continued.
“They both appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today, 29 November 2024 where their case was postponed to 26 February 2025 for disclosure.”
In a scandal that dates back around eight years, the matter was first reported by Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Anti-Corruption Officer after suspicions of match-fixing emerged involving former Proteas player Gulam Bodi.
Bodi approached several players to participate in fixing three T20 Ram Slam matches, working in collusion with bookmakers from India. He was arrested in July 2018, pleaded guilty to eight counts of corruption, and was sentenced to five years’ direct imprisonment in October 2019.
The other accused – former Lions batter Jean Symes – was arrested in May 2021 and pleaded guilty to one count of corruption and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, National Head of the DPCI, commended his team for their unwavering commitment to tackling corruption, even in sectors where it often goes unnoticed.
“Corruption undermines the integrity of sport, and the Hawks are determined to safeguard the values of fairness and professionalism in all areas of society. We thank Cricket South Africa for their co-operation and commitment to addressing this scourge,” he said.