A Hawks officer has told the Durban Regional Court on Tuesday that uThukela District Municipality manager Langelihle Jili asked police not to reveal his identity at Ladysmith police station after his arrest, saying he was a respected member of the community.

Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Dlamini, an investigating officer in the case, testified that Jili made the request on October 21 after being arrested in a police trap operation conducted under Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Dlamini further alleged that Jili offered him and his colleagues R600,000 to avoid arrest, but the officers rejected the offer.

The case stems from allegations that Jili solicited gratification from a service provider in exchange for releasing money the municipality owed the provider for services rendered. The provider, who was allegedly asked to pay a bribe, reported the matter to the Hawks, prompting an undercover operation.

Dlamini testified that after Jili’s arrest, they took him to Ladysmith police station, where he asked to speak to the officers.

“He asked us to not reveal him because he is known at the police station and, secondly, he is respected in the community,” Dlamini said.

Source: https://iol.co.za/mercury/news/2026-10-27-hawks-officer-says-uthukela-manager-offered-police-r600000-to-avoid-arrest/