ATTORNEY OUT ON BAIL FOR EXTORTION CHARGES
GAUTENG – An attorney, Stephen Mangolela (53) will return to the Johannesburg Regional Court on 3 August 2023 after he was released on bail. He appeared in court on 19 June 2023 facing charges of corruption, fraud and forgery and extortion.
It is alleged that Mangolela approached a suspect on a fraud matter worth more than R86 million and promised to assist her with the withdrawal of the charges against her, on condition that she pays him an amount of R550 000. The gratification was paid on three portions and the accused reportedly gave the fraud suspect a forged letter from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirming that the prosecutor declined to prosecute on her matter, the charges have been withdrawn.
The suspect later discovered that the charges were not withdrawn and she reported the matter to the police in September 2019. The docket was assigned to the Johannesburg based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for further handling. A warrant of arrest was issued after the investigation was completed.
Mangolela was arrested whilst at the Randburg Regional Court on 19 June 2023 and charged.
