ATTORNEY, JUSTICE OFFICIAL AND RELATIVE IN COURT FRAUD AND CORRUPTION
KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) attorney, Olwethu Bambalele (33), of Bambalele Attorneys, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) official, Nomaputukezi Sonia Sibembe (38) and her relative Zodidi Sibembe (46) appeared in the KwaBhaca Magistrates’ Court charged with fraud, corruption, extortion and money laundering. The accused were released on R5 000 bail each and their case was transferred to the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 23 July 2024. It is alleged that the elderly complainant approached the DOJ&CD offices for letters of executorship after the death of her son, who had received a payout from the Road Accident Fund, soon before his death. She was assisted by Sonia Sibembe who allegedly advised her that because the amounts of money in the late estate were substantial, she needed the services of an attorney and referred her to Bambalele. The DOJ&CD official further advised the complainant not to divulge that the deceased had a minor child, who was entitled to his estate’s benefits.
The attorney approached the Mthatha office of the Master of the High Court under the pretext that the complainant was entitled to the letters of executorship, which were issued, and payments were made to the complainant. In the presence of the accused official, the attorney allegedly demanded R167 000, which she paid to the attorney’s account, and he paid R34 000 to the account of the Zodidi Sibembe. The attorney and his alleged accomplice further demanded a payment of R150 000, but before the complainant made the payment, a bank official blew the whistle and informed the police, leading to the arrest of the accused persons.
The NPA prioritises the prosecution of crime types and criminals that disproportionately undermine South Africans’ safety, the country’s socio-economic well-being, and the rule of law.
