Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The investigating officer in the corruption case against the Matlosana Municipality’s CFO was arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe from her.
Lt Col Elias Ledwaba from the Klerksdorp Hawks was caught in a sting operation that was conducted in Silver Lakes, Pretoria. It is alleged that he arranged for Mercy Phetla to pay him R100 000 “for the case against her to disappear’’.
She then reported the matter to the national anti-corruption unit and the sting operation was set in motion.
According to Brig Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson, it is alleged that Ledwaba has earlier approached the CFO with threats that she is going to be arrested for receiving kickbacks. “He allegedly threatened her and said she must pay him R50 000 or be arrested. She allegedly did pay him. On a second occasion, he allegedly demanded another R100 000 for her to avoid arrest, again the money was handed over,’’ she said.
After Phetla and two GHMH Construction and Projects employees were arrested, the investigating officer apparently contacted her again, soliciting R100 000.
Ledwaba was arrested on charges of corruption and extortion. He appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on February 15.
