Thohoyandou – A 28-year-old intern at the Department of Transport in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 3 April 2025, on corruption charges.
The suspect, Lutendo Makgoka, was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit in Limpopo on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. His case has been postponed to 17 April 2025 for a formal bail application.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, Makgoka’s arrest followed a complaint received on 1 April 2025, alleging that he was soliciting money from job seekers under false pretences, promising them employment as Traffic Officers.
#sapsLIM [UPDATE] 28-year-old Lutendo Makgoka, an Intern at the Department of Transport in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on 03 April 2025 on charges of corruption. The case has been postponed to 17 April 2025 for a formal bail… pic.twitter.com/MO4Jkkctxr
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 3, 2025
The suspect reportedly demanded R6,500 per person in exchange for securing a position.
“The matter was immediately reported to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, and an inquiry docket was registered. Following further investigation, a sting operation was conducted in the Thohoyandou policing area.
“During the operation, the suspect arrived at the designated location, met with the victims, and requested payment. Upon receiving the money, the police moved in and arrested him. An amount of R2 000-00 was recovered from his possession at the time of the arrest,” Mashaba said.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that additional charges may be brought against the suspect as new evidence emerges.
