Three former South African cricketers, Ethy Mbhalati, Thami Tsolekile, and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, have been arrested by the Hawks for their involvement in a match-fixing scheme during the 2015/2016 domestic T20 Ram Slam Challenge.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday. Mbhalati was taken into custody on 18 November, while Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were arrested on 28 and 29 November, respectively.
The arrests follow a detailed investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit, launched after a whistleblower came forward in October 2016. Mbhalati appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, with his case postponed to 20 February 2025. Tsolekile and Tsotsobe, charged with five counts of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, had their cases postponed to 26 February 2025.
This scandal, first uncovered by Cricket South Africa’s Anti-Corruption Unit, has implicated multiple players, including former Proteas cricketer Gulam Bodi, who was sentenced to five years in prison in 2019, and former Lions batter Jean Symes, who received a suspended sentence in 2021.
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, head of the DPCI, praised the investigation team, stating:
“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.”
The arrests signify a firm stand against corruption in South African cricket, reinforcing the importance of integrity in sport.
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