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South African Players Arrested For Match-Fixing! Ex-International Star Found Guilty

Akshita Patel

Former South African players arrested over match fixing charges [Source: @RSA_CJS/X.com]Former South African players arrested over match fixing charges [Source: @RSA_CJS/X.com]

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In a major controversial turn of events, former South African cricketers Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile, and Ethy Mbhalati were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) over a match-fixing scandal flagged during the 2015/2016 T20 Ram Slam Challenge. After a detailed investigation over a whistleblower’s report, DPCI took action and imposed criminal charges on all three accused.

South African cricket was shaken by a match-fixing scandal that was exposed back in 2018. A member of Cricket South Africa’s anti-corruption unit grew suspicious and got former cricketer Gulam Bodi arrested for fixing and manipulating multiple matches of the T20 Ram Slam tournament.

He was in contact with Indian bookies and approached players accordingly with fixing offers. DPCI, also known as the Hawks, arrested Bodi in 2018, and after pleading guilty to 8 corruption charges, Bodi was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Ex-South African Test cricketer arrested for match-fixing

Meanwhile, after receiving a whistleblower report in 2016, DPCI continued the investigation to unearth the full nexus.

In the latest update shared by Cricbuzz, former South Africa cricketers Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thamsanqa Tsolekile, and Ethy Mbhalati were arrested on corruption charges on November 29, 28, and 18, respectively. 

Mbhalati was presented before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where judges postponed his case to February 20, allowing the Hawks enough time for further investigation. 

As for Tsotsobe and Thamsanqa, the duo are facing 5 counts of corruption and their case was also postponed to February 26, 2025. All three players are charged under Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (PRECCA).

That being said, previously, Jean Symes was also named in the scandal. After getting arrested in 2021, he pleaded guilty and served 4 years in prison. Pumi Matshikwe was another player to face 6 years behind the bars over similar corruption charges.