KZN Correctional Services Commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele granted R50k bail

KwaZulu-Natal Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Mnikelwa Nxele, has been granted R50 000 bail subject to strict conditions

Nxele appeared before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday following his arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on charges of fraud and money laundering.

The matter was postponed to 16 September 2026 to allow for the application of a centralisation certificate with the Office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).

According to IDAC, the arrest stems from a case referred by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) after investigations into allegations made during the State Capture Commission.

Evidence provided by former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi reportedly implicated Nxele in corruption linked to Bosasa contracts valued at approximately R20 million.

Investigators allege that while serving as Chairperson of the Special Bid Adjudication Committee in KwaZulu-Natal, Nxele received bribes amounting to about R100,000 per month.

It is further alleged that Nxele used the Zogoba Trust, which he reportedly registered, to conceal the movement of illicit funds and assets allegedly acquired through criminal activities. Authorities claim the funds were used to purchase properties and finance gambling activities at various casinos across the country.

Nxele also faces allegations of failing to disclose his financial interests to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), as required by public service regulations.