A 42-year-old Nigerian national has appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court after allegedly offering Hawks investigators R10,000 in an attempt to have a drug possession case against him withdrawn and closed.
Augustine Chinedu Onah was arrested on Friday, 25 September, by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Klerksdorp.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, the corruption case arose after Onah allegedly contacted its members while they were investigating a case involving the alleged possession of drugs.
The Hawks allege that during the communication, Onah offered R10,000 as gratification in exchange for the withdrawal and closure of the drug-related investigation.
The alleged offer prompted investigators to conduct an undercover operation.
The Hawks said Onah subsequently met with members of its Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit during the operation.
It is alleged that during the meeting, he offered the investigators R3,000.
According to the Hawks, Onah indicated that he would pay the outstanding balance at a later stage.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with corruption.
The case illustrates the circumstances in which the Hawks say the alleged bribe was uncovered, investigators were dealing with an existing drug possession matter when the accused allegedly attempted to persuade them to abandon the case in return for payment.
Onah appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 28 September.
The Hawks did not provide further details about the underlying drug possession case in their statement, including the nature or quantity of the alleged drugs.
They also did not indicate whether any other people were implicated in the alleged bribery attempt.
The corruption charge against Onah remains an allegation at this stage, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Hawks said their investigation into the matter is continuing.
The case is being handled by the Klerksdorp-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
The Hawks urged anyone requiring information about the investigation to contact Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu on 071 481 2747.
Onah’s next court appearance is scheduled for 5 October, when the court is expected to deal with his formal bail application.
