SANDF Intelligence Brigadier in R1.5m Corruption Case: Court Hears of Alleged Bribe to Halt Prosecution

An alleged R1.5 million attempt to halt a criminal case has placed a senior member of the South African National Defence Force’s Intelligence Division before the courts, alongside his secretary and legal representative.

Brigadier General Johannes Prince Mkhabela, 53, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court facing charges of corruption and defeating the administration of justice. He appeared with his secretary, Joshua Thembi Hlungwani, 41, and his legal representative, Athinandavha Mannik Mulaudzi, 39.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the charges stem from events that began on February 7, 2026, when an investigating officer was probing an intimidation case against Mkhabela.

Mahanjana said Hlungwani allegedly contacted the investigating officer and conveyed that Mkhabela was offering R1.5 million to ensure the matter did not proceed to court.

Two days later, on February 9, 2026, Mulaudzi allegedly contacted the same investigating officer to enquire how much money would be required to have the case withdrawn.

On February 13, 2026, Mkhabela allegedly met with the investigating officer and paid R50,000 as a deposit, undertaking to settle the outstanding balance by September 2026. In exchange, he allegedly sought the destruction of the case docket against him.

Following the alleged payment, members of the Madlanga Commission Task Team arrested Mkhabela. Hlungwani and Mulaudzi were arrested on Thursday, February 19, after handing themselves over to police.

Mahanjana confirmed that Hlungwani and Mulaudzi were each granted bail of R5,000. They were released under stringent bail conditions stipulating that they may not interfere with ongoing investigations or state witnesses, must surrender their passports to the investigating officer, and are prohibited from contacting state witnesses, including the investigating officer.

In court, the State opposed bail for Mkhabela, arguing that he is likely to commit further offences, particularly as he already faces a pending intimidation case. The prosecution further submitted that he poses a risk of interfering with or intimidating state witnesses. The State did not oppose bail for the two co-accused.

The matter was postponed to February 23, 2026, for judgment in Mkhabela’s bail application.

DAILY NEWS