Hawks thank CSA for ‘addressing this scourge’ after Thami Tsolekile and Lonwabo Tsotsobe arrests

Lonwabo Tsotsobe cricketLonwabo Tsotsobe.

Former Proteas cricketers Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Thami Tsolekile – and former Titans seamer Ethy Mbhalati – were arrested last month.

Tsotsobe, Tsolekile and Mbhalati have been implicated in alleged match-fixing during the 2015-16 T20 Challenge in South Africa.

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“The arrests come after a meticulous investigation by the Serious Corruption Investigation component of the DPCI, following allegations reported by a whistleblower in October 2016,” read a statement from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – also known as the Hawks.

“Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were both charged with five counts of corruption under section 15 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA).

“They both appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 29 November 2024, when their case was postponed to 26 February 2025 for disclosure.

“Corruption undermines the integrity of sport, and the Hawks are determined to safeguard the values of fairness and professionalism in all areas of society. We thank Cricket South Africa for their co-operation and commitment to addressing this scourge.”

Former Lions duo Pumi Matshikwe and Jean Symes – and former Proteas batter Gulam Bodi – pleaded guilty to being involved in match-fixing during the 2015-16 T20 Challenge.

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