Two former Proteas stars are among the many three ex-players implicated in a match-fixing scheme through the 2015/2016 home T20 Ram Slam Challenge.

The trio, Ethy Mbhalati (43), Thami Tsolekile (44), and Lonwabo Tsotsobe (40) have been arrested on 18 November, 28 and 29 November, respectively.

The arrests come after an investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation element of the DPCI, following allegations reported by a whistleblower in October 2016.

Tsolekile and Tsotsobe are former Proteas gamers whereas Mbhalati spent most of his taking part in years with the Multiply Momentum Titans. The trio alongside Jean Symes, Pumi Matshikwe and Gulam Bodi(ex-Proteas participant) have been implicated in a match-fixing scheme through the 2015/2016 home T20 Ram Slam Challenge. The match-fixing scandal rocked SA cricket on the time.

Two ex-Proteas gamers arrested for match-fixing

Hawks spokesperson Col Katlego Mogale stated the arrests adopted an investigation by the Hawks’ severe corruption investigation unit after allegations have been reported by a whistle-blower in October 2016. Mogale stated Mbhalati appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and the matter was postponed to 20 February 2025 for further instructions.

“Tsolekile and Tsotsobe have been each charged with 5 counts of corruption underneath Section 15 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA).

“They both appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today, 29 November 2024, where their case was postponed to 26 February 2025 for disclosure,” Mogale stated.

“The other accused, Mr Jean Symes, who was arrested in May 2021, pleaded guilty to one count of corruption, and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years,” Mogale stated.

“Whilst the third accused, Mr Pumi Matshikwe, who was arrested in February 2022, pleaded guilty to one count of corruption and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.”

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