Shocking! South Africa cricketers arrested for match-fixing

Former South Africa players Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile, and Ethy Mbhalati have been arrested on by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. This comes after the trio were involved in a match-fixing scandal during the 2015/2016 T20 Ram Slam Challenge.

As per the reports in Cricbuzz, it is learned that Ethy Mbhalati was taken under the custody of police on November 18, while Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were arrested on November 28 and 29, respectively. DPCI's Serious Corruption Investigation unit was involved in an extensive investigation, and hence, they decided to arrest the trio.

Ex South Africa Players Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile and Ethy Mbhalati appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court

Ethy Mbhalati escaped a bit after appearing in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. His case related to the match-fixing was postponed to next year. The case was taken till 20th February 2025 for further instructions.

On the other hand, Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were subjected to five counts of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA). Their case was heard on Friday (November 29) and was postponed to February 26, 2025 for disclosure.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile, and Ethy Mbhalati were found guilty of match-fixing after they were convinced by former South Africa player Gulam Bodi. Cricket South Africa's anti-corruption officer raised speculations about the same and the Investigation was carried on.

It was revealed that Bodi dealt with Indian bookers and approached players to manipulate three T20 Ram Slam matches. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation then arrested the former South Africa National Cricket Team player in July 2018.

Jean Symes and Pumi Matshikwe were involved in match-fixing along with Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile and Ethy Mbhalati

Gulam Bodi pleaded guilty to eight counts of corruption, and following that, he was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2019. He not only convinced Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile, and Ethy Mbhalati but some players as well to do match-fixing.

Jean Symes was also part of the scandal. He was arrested in May 2021 pleaded guilty to one count of corruption, and received a four-year sentence (wholly suspended for five years). The other name in the saga was Pumi Matshikwe, who was arrested in February 2022 on similar charges and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment (wholly suspended for five years).

We thank Cricket South Africa for their cooperation and commitment to addressing this scourge - National head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya

National head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, made a strong statement, saying that they are committed to keeping fairness and professionalism. He also thanked Cricket South Africa for their cooperation.

"Corruption undermines the integrity of sport. The Hawks are committed to upholding fairness and professionalism in all spheres of society. We thank Cricket South Africa for their cooperation and commitment to addressing this scourge."

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