Former South African Cricketers Implicated in Match-Fixing Scandal

Former players Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile, and Ethy Mbhalati were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for their alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal during the 2015/2016 T20 Ram Slam Challenge.

Arrests and Charges

• Mbhalati was arrested on November 18, while Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were arrested on November 28 and 29, respectively.
• Mbhalati's case was postponed to February 20, 2025, for further instructions.
• Tsolekile and Tsotsobe face five counts of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA).
• Their case was heard on November 29 and was postponed to February 26, 2025, for disclosure.

Background of the Scandal

The case traces back to suspicions raised by Cricket South Africa's anti-corruption officer about former South Africa player Gulam Bodi's involvement in match-fixing.
Investigations revealed that Bodi conspired with Indian bookmakers and approached players to manipulate three T20 Ram Slam matches.
The Hawks arrested Bodi in July 2018, and he pleaded guilty to eight counts of corruption and was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2019.

Other Implicated Players

• Jean Symes was arrested in May 2021 and pleaded guilty to one count of corruption, receiving a four-year sentence (wholly suspended for five years).
• Pumi Matshikwe was arrested in February 2022 on similar charges and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment (wholly suspended for five years).