Sam Chabalala (23) or Mshengu as he is known by his close friends, need no introduction and he’s been making news headlines lately.
Chabalala, a well-known businessman and the owner of Sam Holdings appeared in Witbank Magistrate’s Court on numerous occasions but was finally released on bail of R200 000 on Monday, September 16.
He was released on very strict bail conditions which include reporting to Bethal Police Station on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 09:00 and 12:00. He must also hand in his travelling documents to the investigating officer and not leave his area which is in the Govan Mbeki Municipality without notifying the investigating officer.
He will again appear in court on November 22.
Chabalala appeared on charges of corruption, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the Contravention of the Immigration Act, 13 of 2002 that are being investigated against him.
In a previous article in WITBANK NEWS it was reported that the Hawks followed a tip-off from the Department of Home Affairs which led to Chabalala being investigated.
It also came to light that he allegedly wanted to bribe an official of Home Affairs with R100 000, the amount paid on Friday, September 6 was a deposit and the rest of the money was going to be paid once the investigation was closed.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that eyebrows were raised after activities at the Durban July, followed by investigations to verify his citizenship.
They also said that he acquired his identification through fraud and misrepresentation, as he had numerous smart identity cards.
On the other hand the Hawks Serious Organized Crime Investigation Unit took over the case where the General Manager of Sam Holdings, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Ngcongo (30) was shot and killed last week Thursday, September 12, while he was on duty at Sam Holdings truck depot.
It is alleged that two men were seen entering the premises whereby one of the suspects produced a firearm and shot Ngcongo and disappeared.
Later the same night the investigation led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man.
He appeared at Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Friday, September 13.
The case was postponed to September 19 for a possible bail application.
The suspect is remanded to facilitate the investigation.
