TWO former Proteas players amongst the trio arrested for match-fixing scandal
Two Former Proteas Players Arrested in Match-Fixing Scheme
Two former Proteas stars are among three ex-players implicated in a match-fixing scheme during the 2015/2016 domestic T20 Ram Slam Challenge.
The trio, consisting of Ethy Mbhalati (43), Thami Tsolekile (44), and Lonwabo Tsotsobe (40), were arrested on 18, 28, and 29 November, respectively.
Arrests Follow Investigation by DPCI’s Serious Corruption Unit
The arrests follow an investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation unit of the DPCI, which began after a whistleblower reported the allegations in October 2016.
Tsolekile and Tsotsobe are former Proteas players, while Mbhalati spent much of his playing career with the Multiply Momentum Titans. The three men, along with Jean Symes, Pumi Matshikwe, and Gulam Bodi (a former Proteas player), were all implicated in the match-fixing scandal that shook South African cricket during the 2015/2016 Ram Slam Challenge.
Hawks Confirm Court Appearances and Case Postponements
Hawks spokesperson Col Katlego Mogale confirmed that the arrests resulted from an in-depth investigation. He added that Mbhalati appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where his case was postponed to 20 February 2025 for further instructions.
“Tsolekile and Tsotsobe are facing five counts of corruption under Section 15 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA),” Mogale stated. “They both appeared in court on 29 November 2024, and their cases were postponed to 26 February 2025 for disclosure.”
Other Accused Players Have Already Been Sentenced
The other accused, Jean Symes, arrested in May 2021, pleaded guilty to one count of corruption and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. Pumi Matshikwe, arrested in February 2022, also pleaded guilty to one count of corruption and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.