Former Lions batsman Jean Symes has been sentenced to a four-year prison term for match-fixing.
The full sentence, though, has been suspended for five years on condition Symes does not commit a similar offence during the period of suspension.
“The matter was brought to the attention of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based in Pretoria, and an investigation was conducted,” said South African Police Service spokesperson captain Lloyd Ramhova.
“Symes was found guilty and sentenced to four years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of committing a similar offence in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act during the period of suspension.”
Symes not alone – Bodi, Matshikwe and others
Symes was among seven players banned by Cricket South Africa due to several anti-corruption code breaches during the country’s 2015-16 domestic T20 tournament.
Former Proteas cricketers Alviro Petersen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thami Tsolekile and Gulam Bodi were also among the seven. Bodi was sentenced in 2019.
“Mr Bodi also approached Mr Symes, who accepted a gratification to the equivalent of $2500 US dollars or approximately R30,000 to participate in the scheme,” added Ramovha.
Former franchise seamers Pumelela Matshikwe and Ethy Mbhalati were involved, too. Matshikwe was sentenced last year.
“This was after Matshikwe admitted to having received a total of R50,000, enticement to participate in match-fixing during the said tournament. He also received a five-year sentence,” concluded Ramovha.
“The investigation initiated led by CSA implicated the cricketers for their role in the conspiracy. They were banned for between seven and 20 years by International Cricket Council.”
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