The arrest of Mpumalanga premier David Mabuza’s spokesperson, who allegedly bribed a journalist, sends a strong message that no one is above the law, the Democratic Alliance said on Friday.
“This arrest bodes well for South Africa’s constitutional order in that everyone is equal before the law,” Member of Provincial Legislature Anthony Benadie said in a statement.
“Many ANC [African National Congress] and government officials hold an opinion that they are indeed above the law. It is encouraging that, at last, on one incident some justice in this province has prevailed.”
Mabuza’s spokesperson Mabutho Sithole was released on R6 000 bail on Thursday in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court. He allegedly tried to bribe City Press journalist Sizwe Sama Yende last year.
Yende approached the police’s organised crime unit in December 2010 and laid a charge of corruption, after Sithole allegedly paid him R5 000 a few days earlier to drop a corruption story involving Mabuza. The story involves alleged corruption related to a R230-million tender to supply farms with equipment.
Sithole claimed the money was meant as a Christmas present for Sama Yende’s children. He was removed from his post in December 2010.
The case was postponed to February 11. — Sapa