The Star reports that the magistrate due on Monday to appear at the Carletonville Magistrate’s Court, his own workplace, to face charges of corruption and extortion allegedly demanded a “mere” R4,000 to ensure two accused women got bail.  

Sources close to the sting operation by the Hawks that resulted in the magistrate’s spectacular arrest claimed he had demanded R2,000 for the bail release of each woman.  This demand was allegedly made to a family member who had approached him in his office to get clarity about the women’s continued detention.  Shocked by this clearly illegal demand, the family then told their lawyer.  The family subsequently involved the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Unit, which set a trap.  The 49-year-old magistrate, who cannot be named until he appears before one of his colleagues, was nabbed red-handed late on Thursday with the money after it was handed over to him.  The women were arrested more than a week ago, based on a theft case opened by their employer.  Their bail application has yet to be heard.  The magistrate’s arrest has shocked his colleagues.  The Association of Regional Magistrates of Southern Africa (Armsa) expressed disdain for the magistrate’s alleged criminality.

• In this regard read the full original report by Bongani Nkosi at The Star

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