The Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality in Witbank, Mpumalanga province, has instantly fired the two ANC councillors who were arrested last week for allegedly demanding bribes from a businessman to extend a municipal lease agreement.
Mayor Vusi Nhlapho announced today, April 23, that Jerry Patrick Dijane (53) and Martha Busi Hlumbane (54), will no longer serve in the influential mayoral committee following their release on bail yesterday.
“This decisive action has been taken by the Executive Mayor in the interest of good governance and to uphold the integrity of the municipality. The decision aligns with the Executive Mayor’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership within the administration.
“In terms of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998, section 60, the Executive Mayor will, in due course, announce suitable replacements to ensure continuity and stability in service delivery.
“The municipality assures residents that service provision will not be affected and that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain effective governance. Further updates will be communicated as developments unfold,” the municipality said in a statement.
The two prominent councillors of the ANC in the Emalahleni have been freed on R10 00 bail each after spending the long Easter weekend in cold holding cells of the SAPS.
They are facing charges of corruption, defeating the administration of justice, and extortion.
They were granted bail and given strict conditions. Some of the conditions include that they should not contact the witnesses in the case and they should not enter the municipal premises of their employer.
Dijane and Hlumbane were arrested at Witbank dam by the Middelburg-based Serious Corruption Unit, after receiving R20 000 bribes that were part of an alleged R500 000 bribery money demanded from a businessman for his lease agreement to be extended.
According to the police, the R20 000 paid on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, followed a R40,000 payment in February 2025 and was equally shared between the suspects.
The R20,000 that was paid on Wednesday was recovered. Two luxury vehicles used during the commission of the crime were seized and may be forfeited to the state at a later stage.
