Hawks revive corruption case against Rustenburg lawyers
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – Two legal practitioners have appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court after a corruption case against them was re-enrolled following a decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Amukelani Voster Nwandzule (42) and Rudzani Michael Netshiavha (49) appeared briefly in court on Monday, 1 June 2026, facing charges of corruption. They were released on warning and the matter was postponed to 7 July 2026.
According to spokesperson lieutenant colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, the case stems from an investigation into allegations that the pair attempted to offer gratification to a police officer in exchange for the destruction of a criminal case involving their clients.
The allegations relate to an incident in July 2020, when two suspects were arrested in Rustenburg on charges of diesel theft and malicious damage to essential infrastructure. A vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the offences was impounded by police.
Investigators allege that Nwandzule and Netshiavha, acting as legal representatives for the arrested suspects, approached the investigating officer regarding bail arrangements. It is further alleged that the employer of the suspects, whose vehicle had been seized, contacted the officer and offered R30,000 in exchange for the case being destroyed and the vehicle released.
The investigation reportedly revealed that R30,000 was transferred from a company linked to the vehicle owner into Nwandzule’s bank account. Hawks investigators further allege that arrangements were subsequently made to meet the investigating officer and hand over a payment. An entrapment operation was conducted, leading to the arrest of the two legal practitioners after they allegedly paid R5,000 to the officer.
The accused initially appeared in court and were released on bail. However, the matter was withdrawn in 2021 after the owner of the impounded vehicle, a Zimbabwean national, could not be traced. Following a review of the matter, the NPA decided to re-enrol the case while the Hawks continue efforts to locate the outstanding suspect.
North West Hawks head, major general Nombuso Khoza, and the director of Public Prosecutions in the province, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the re-enrolment of the matter and commended investigators and prosecutors for their continued efforts to ensure accountability.
