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Buzizwe Zizwe Zitha, 43, a former interpreter at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment, with three years suspended, following his conviction for corruption. The sentencing took place on November 13, 2024, at the Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
Details of the Crime
Zitha’s conviction stems from incidents dating back to 2020, during which he solicited bribes from a court defendant facing two domestic violence-related charges. Zitha promised the defendant he could influence the withdrawal of the charges in exchange for payment. Over multiple encounters, Zitha demanded a total of R11,200, allegedly to cover case withdrawals, bail, and “expenses” for the prosecutor.
Investigation and Arrest
The matter was reported and referred to the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit. Following thorough investigations, a J50 warrant of arrest was issued, leading to Zitha’s arrest on April 15, 2021. He appeared before the Bushbuckridge Magistrates Court two days later and was released on R5,000 bail.
An internal disciplinary hearing subsequently dismissed Zitha from his position. The criminal case was transferred to the Nelspruit Regional Court (Specialised Commercial Crimes Court) for trial.
Conviction and Sentence
On November 11, 2024, Zitha was found guilty of corruption, in violation of Section 4(a) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Act 12 of 2004). His bail was immediately revoked, and he was remanded in custody.
Two days later, Zitha received an eight-year prison sentence, with three years suspended for five years, contingent upon no further corruption convictions during this period. He will serve five years of direct imprisonment.
Reaction and Message from Authorities
Major General Gerber, Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commended the investigation team for their diligence and the prosecution for securing a strong sentence.
“This sentence serves as a clear warning that crime does not pay,” said Gerber. “Public officials are employed to serve their communities, not exploit their vulnerabilities for personal gain.”
He further urged the public to report any similar instances of corruption, particularly involving court officials, to ensure justice and integrity within public institutions.
This case highlights the justice system’s commitment to rooting out corruption and holding public officials accountable for unethical behavior.
