Netshivhumbe Gumani, a 34-year-old councillor from Thulamela Municipality, arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe an investigator from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in order to manipulate the outcome of an ongoing investigation at Mahikeng Local Municipality, was granted bail of R10,000 by the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mahikeng. Gumani is scheduled to appear in court again on 18 September 2026.

Gumani was arrested in Mahikeng after allegedly attempting to bribe an SIU investigator with R70,000 to obstruct justice in the ongoing investigation into tenders at the Mahikeng Local Municipality. It is alleged that Gumani was facilitating the bribe on behalf of Anacot Trading, a company associated with questionable financial activities involving municipal contracts.

The SIU investigation, under Proclamation R213 of 2024, found that the appointed service provider received approximately R179 million from Mahikeng Municipality for two lease agreements. Immediately after receiving the payment, the service provider transferred R28 million to Anacot Trading, owned by Shahzaad Mohamed Hussein. When the SIU contacted Hussein to explain why he received R28 million, he allegedly sent Gumani to the SIU to influence the outcome of the investigation.

Reacting to Gumani’s release on bail, the Acting Head of the SIU, Leonard Lekgetho, said: “While we acknowledge the court’s decision to grant bail, we remain confident in the strength of the case before the court. The alleged attempt to bribe an SIU investigator is a serious attack on the integrity of South Africa’s justice system and on the fight against corruption. No amount of intimidation or inducement will deter the SIU from fulfilling its mandate. We commend the investigator for acting with professionalism and integrity, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that the matter is prosecuted to its conclusion”.

Immediately after securing his release on bail, Gumani was arrested by the Makhado police on an outstanding Makhado warrant for theft by false pretence. The charges stem from allegations that Gumani solicited funds from several businesspeople in Limpopo to finance political activities linked to the 2014 youth league conference in Sekhukhune District.

Enquiries:
Selby Makgotho
Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit
Cell: 083 718 6128
SIUMedia@siu.org.za