Pietermaritzburg – The suspended KwaZulu-Natal Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Mnikelwa Nxele, has appeared before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption.
Nxele’s arrest was a result of a referral to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), a unit within the National Prosecuting Authority, by elite crime busters – the Hawks.
Nxele was implicated in corruption by Angelo Agrizzi during the Zondo Commission, which concluded in June 2022.
After the Hawks investigated the matter, involving BOSASA contracts valued at about R20 million, they referred it to IDAC.
Nxele appeared in court earlier today, Wednesday, 24 June 2026, where he was granted bail of R50 000 with stringent conditions attached.
Allegations against the suspended commissioner were that he received bribes of about R100 000 per month when he was the chairperson of the Special Bid Adjudication Committee in KwaZulu-Natal.
It is alleged that fraudulent financial activities were conducted through Zogoba Trust, which he registered and used to conceal the movement of funds, as well as the assets accumulated through criminality.
The money was allegedly utilised to purchase properties and for gambling in various casinos around the country.
Nxele is further accused of failing to make his financial disclosure with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).
His case was postponed to 16 September 2026 for the application of the centralisation certificate with the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
