POLITICS

Advocate Mafika Sihlali arrested - SAPS

Former SABC head of legal services facing fraud and corruption charges (February 15)

Former SABC legal head arrested for fraud and corruption

15 Feb 2012

Investigators from the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation in Johannesburg phoned and instructed Advocate Mafika Sihlali to hand himself over to our offices this morning. On arrival, Sihlali was arrested on charges of fraud and corruption.

Sihlali was appointed head of legal services for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on 1 August 2006. It is alleged that while he was in this position, which he held for two years, Sihlali outsourced legal services of the public broadcaster to a company which belonged to his friend. This was not necessary as the SABC had enough capacity to conduct its own legal services.

Sihlali allegedly then received kickbacks totaling R2.5 million through his football club account. He appeared in the Commercial Crimes Court in Johannesburg today (Wednesday) on charges of fraud and corruption. He was given bail of R15 thousand and instructed to return to court on the 29th of this month.

We have also extended an invitation to Advocate Sihlali's friend to hand himself over to face similar charges, failing which he will be tracked down and arrested. We expect that the friend will appear together with Advocate Sihlali on the 29th.

Statement issued by Colonel McIntosh Polela, South African Police Service, February 15 2012

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