Pietermaritzburg – Mnikelwa Nxele, the suspended KwaZulu-Natal Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, has made an appearance in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court to face corruption charges.
His arrest was prompted by a referral to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a unit within the National Prosecuting Authority, following action taken by the elite crime-fighting unit known as the Hawks.
Allegations of Nxele’s corrupt activities were brought to light by Angelo Agrizzi during the proceedings of the Zondo Commission, which concluded in June 2022.
An investigation by the Hawks regarding BOSASA contracts, valued at approximately R20 million, resulted in the case being escalated to IDAC.
On Wednesday, 24 June 2026, Nxele appeared in court where bail was set at R50,000, contingent upon stringent conditions.
Reports indicate that the suspended commissioner allegedly accepted bribes totaling about R100,000 monthly while he was the chairperson of the Special Bid Adjudication Committee in KwaZulu-Natal.
It is alleged that he executed fraudulent financial operations through Zogoba Trust, which he established to conceal the movement of illicit funds, alongside assets obtained through unlawful means.
These funds were purportedly utilized for purchasing properties and gambling at various casinos across the country.
Moreover, Nxele faces accusations of failing to submit his financial disclosures to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).
The court has postponed his case to 16 September 2026 to consider the application for the centralisation certificate with the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
