In a significant step to combat corruption in South African sports, the Hawks Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation have arrested three former South African cricketers - Ethy Mbhalati 43, Thami Tsolekile 44, and Lonwabo Tsotsobe 40 - who were implicated in match-fixing during the 2015/2016 domestic T20 Ram Slam Challenge.
The arrests followed a 2016 whistleblower report that led to an investigation by the Hawks, with suspicions of match-fixing involving former Proteas cricketer Gulam Bodi, who had approached several players to fix T20 matches in collaboration with bookmakers from India. Bodi was arrested in 2018, pleading guilty to eight counts of corruption, and sentenced to five years imprisonment in 2019.
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, Mbhalati has appeared in court and had his case postponed to 20 February 2025. Meanwhile, Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were both charged with five counts of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, with their cases postponed to 26 February 2025 for further disclosure.
These arrests are part of a broader effort to eradicate corruption from South African cricket. In addition to Bodi, other individuals involved in the scandal have also faced legal consequences. Jean Symes, a former Lions cricketer, was sentenced in 2024 for his role, while Pumi Matshikwe, arrested in 2022, was sentenced to a six-year suspended sentence.
Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya praised the investigation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of sports. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Cricket South Africa in addressing corruption in the sport, reinforcing the Hawks commitment to safeguarding fairness and professionalism across all sectors of society.
