Hawks nab businessman Malcolm X for alleged corruption

Businessman and self-proclaimed philanthropist Malcolm X and three police officers will remain behind bars after appearing in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

According to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, 57-year-old Malcolm X, and police officers Desmond Campbell Kekana, 52, James Mpho Sekhaolela, 45, and Raymond Mphuwa Mokaile, 38, are facing two counts of corruption and extortion.

The accused are alleged to have participated in corrupt activities when they solicited gratification to the tune of R580,000 from a businesswoman to avoid arrest.

“It is alleged that three officials went to the complainant’s residence to enquire about her passport and thereafter alleged that it contained fraudulent immigration stamps. They later arrested her and during questioning, the trio allegedly demanded R2 million for her release,” said Mjonondwane.

“Malcolm X was the alleged middleman in facilitating the payment. In enticing the family, threats were made about arresting her son as well. The complainant gave in and R580,000 was agreed to, and the complainant was released.”

A case of corruption was then reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the four were arrested on Sunday.

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The case was postponed to the 26 October 2023 for a formal bail application.

All four accused were remanded in custody.

On Saturday, the Hawks members from Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation arrested a 46-year-old official from the department of transport in KwaZulu-Natal for alleged corruption.

It is alleged that between 2016 and 2020, the suspect allegedly deliberately manipulated the department’s Enatis system by dumping outstanding license fees to names or entities that do not exist.

She allegedly received gratification from the public, and as a result, the department suffered a financial loss of R1.470,157.61.  

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A case of fraud and corruption was reported at Melmoth police station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members for further investigation.