Vereeniging court interpreter appears in court after soliciting R2,000 bribe

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A Vereeniging magistrates’ court interpreter appeared before the same court facing a charge of theft and fraud.

Zimbabwean national, Elizabeth Nyakai Kazembe, 43, is accused of allegedly soliciting R2,000 bribe.

According to the NPA regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, on September 6, 2023, Kazembe contacted the family of Godfrey Mwashita, an accused who was appearing before the same Vereeniging magistrates’ court on a charge of being illegal in the country.

“During their telephone conversation, Kazembe demanded a cash payment of R2000 in order for Mwashita to be released from custody on the same day.

“After the requested was paid, and Mwashita was not released, the family reported the matter to the prosecutor at the same court.

“The following day on September 7, a case was opened against the accused, and she was summoned to appear in court,” she cited.

Mahanjana added that during her appearance, she was released on warning.

The matter was remanded to Monday, October 28 for contents of the docket and consultation.

Meanwhile, illegal nationals employed at Babel and Ocean Basket restaurant appeared at the Hatfield magistrates’ court on Tuesday.

Burundian Emery Niyomuremyi, 35, Malawian Amina Lameck, 34, and Nigerian Kelechi Maduike, 38, are facing a charge of being illegal in the country.

Mahanjana confirmed that the three accused who are illegal in the country are employed by the two eateries in Menlyn Mall.

“Both Lameck, who is employed as a chef, and Maduike who is employed as a stock manager work at Babel, while Niyomuremyi works at Ocean Basket as a delivery man.

“The three were arrested on Sunday evening at the restaurants by the department of home affairs after they conducted a raid at both restaurants.

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“This came after a video was circulated on TikTok by a disgruntled Babel former employee expressing her dissatisfaction regarding her employer’s treatment and alleging that the restaurant is violating the Labour Relations Act,” she explained.

The matter of Lameck and Niyomuremyi has been remanded to September 19 and 20 for a formal bail application while Maduike’s matter is remanded to October 2 for a formal bail application.

Mahanjana added that the manager of Babel restaurant, Raui Kobeissi, 42, who was also arrested with the three, was released at the Brooklyn police station after he paid R10 000 admission of guilt fine.