Why former South Africa cricketers Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Thami Tsolekile have been arrested
Former South Africa cricketers Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Thami Tsolekile and former Titans bowler Ethy Mbhalati have been arrested. All three have been charged with five counts of corruption.
Tsotsobe, a former left-arm pacer, represented the Proteas in five Tests, 61 ODIs, and 23 T20Is. The 40-year-old has an impressive record in the ODIs, claiming 94 wickets at an average of 24.96. As for Tsolekile, he is a former wicketkeeper-batter who played three Tests in 2004.
As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Tsotsobe, Tsolekile, and Mbhalati have been charged under Section 15 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004, which relates to 'corrupt activities relating to sporting events, including accepting or offering to accept any gratification from another person for engaging in any act which threatens to undermine the integrity of a sporting event or influence the run of play'.
The trio has been charged in connection with the match-fixing controversy in the 2015-16 Ram Slam Challenge. Tsotsobe, Tsolekile, and Mbhalati are among the seven players banned by Cricket South Africa (CSA) over attempts to fix matches during the domestic T20 event.
In connection with the above match-fixing saga, Gulam Bodi served time in prison, while Jean Symes and Pumi Matshikwe were given suspended sentences. Both pleaded guilty in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The ESPNcricinfo report added that the cases against Tsotsobe, Tsolekile, and Mbhalati have been postponed until February 2025. The report also stated that no details are available of any action against former South African opener Alviro Petersen.
Tsotsobe, Tsolekile, and Mbhalati were charged with corruption following an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
"Corruption undermines the integrity of sport, and the Hawks are determined to safeguard the values of fairness and professionalism in all areas of society. We thank Cricket South Africa for their cooperation and commitment to addressing this scourge," Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, National Head of the DPCI, was quoted as saying in a statement.
Unlike Tsotsobe and Tsolekile, Mbhalati never got a chance to represent South Africa at the international level. The 43-year-old played 129 first-class matches and as many List A games, claiming 364 and 150 wickets respectively.
Lonwabo Tsotsobe had an impressive record against India in ODIs
Of all the three players arrested and charged with corruption, Tsotsobe was the most prolific at the top level. He had an impressive record against India in ODIs.
In 10 ODIs against the Men in Blue, the former left-arm pacer claimed 22 wickets at an average of 17.90 and an economy rate of 5.07, with three four-fers and a best of 4-22.