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KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) – Attorney Olwethu Bambalele (33), from 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 on charges of fraud, corruption, extortion, and money laundering.
The accused were released on R5,000 bail each, and their case has been transferred to the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 23, 2024.
The charges stem from an incident involving an elderly complainant who approached the DOJ&CD offices for letters of executorship following the death of her son. The deceased had received a payout from the Road Accident Fund shortly before his death. Sonia Sibembe allegedly advised the complainant that due to the substantial amounts of money in the estate, she required the services of an attorney and referred her to Bambalele. Furthermore, Sibembe reportedly instructed the complainant not to disclose that the deceased had a minor child entitled to the estate’s benefits.
Bambalele approached the Mthatha office of the Master of the High Court under the pretense that the complainant was entitled to the letters of executorship. After obtaining the letters, payments were made to the complainant. Subsequently, in the presence of Sibembe, Bambalele allegedly demanded R167,000, which the complainant paid into the attorney’s account. Of this amount, R34,000 was transferred to Zodidi Sibembe’s account.
The accused then demanded an additional payment of R150,000. Before the complainant could make this payment, a bank official alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has emphasized its duty to prioritizing the prosecution of crimes and individuals that significantly undermine the safety, socio-economic well-being, and rule of law in South Africa.
