Tebogo Malaka: Former IDT CEO Not Arrested or Prosecuted One Year After Alleged Bribe Attempt
- A year has passed since former Independent Development Trust (IDT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tebogo Malaka, allegedly tried to bribe a journalist
- Investigations continue into the matter in which Malaka and ex-IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane tried to bribe a journalist to drop an investigation
- South Africans weighed in on the latest update regarding the matter, sharing varied reactions to the fact that nothing has been done about the matter as yet
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
WESTERN CAPE - A full year has passed since former Independent Development Trust (IDT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tebogo Malaka and ex-IDT spokesperson Phasha Makgolane tried to bribe a journalist, leaving many questioning why no one has been arrested yet.
Malaka was captured in a sting operation trying to offer Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 cash plus contract promises to drop an investigation. The meeting where the bribe was offered took place at a wine farm near Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
The alleged bribe was linked to a Daily Maverick investigation into Malaka's financial dealings with Gauteng businessperson Collen Mashawana, with Malaka allegedly offering Myburgh the bribe to drop what he was working on.
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While she admitted to meeting Myburgh, she maintained that she did not initiate the encounter, claiming that it was coordinated by IDT Communications Specialist, Phasha Makgolane. On 7 August 2025, Macpherson opened a case against her following the release of the video footage.
Two probes underway but little progress
According to the Daily Maverick, two separate investigations are currently under way into the matter. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), assigned a Cape Town-based team to probe the alleged bribe attempt, given that the recorded encounter occurred near Stellenbosch. A separate Gauteng-based investigation focuses on Malaka's financial dealings with Gauteng businessperson Collen Mashawana, specifically concerning a new home Malaka was reportedly building at the upmarket Waterfall Country Estate in Gauteng.
Despite the existence of recorded evidence, sources close to the investigation have expressed frustration at the pace of the proceedings.
"This is a prosecutor-guided investigation, but it is on the NPA's side where things are stalling. We could have locked up the suspects two or three months ago, but the NPA doesn't seem to want to act on the evidence already at their disposal," an anonymous source told the Daily Maverick.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has rejected that characterisation, with spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago denying that the prosecution body was stalling.
How did South Africans react?
The lack of action drew sharp reactions online, with some questioning why nothing has been done as yet.
Andre Venter wrote:
"The reason why corruption will never stop. So blatantly, with all the evidence, a junior legal professional can successfully prosecute this, but the NPA is absent. Such a disgrace."
Yogan Damodharan commented:
"Sad that corrupt officials still walk free, while ordinary citizens are in prison for stealing a loaf of bread."
Albie Wantenaar asked:
“Why? Why not? Caught red-handed.”
Valerie van den Berg added:
"Investigating forever and they are still free."
Nn questioned why nothing has been done:
“Why vele?”
Malaka Family Trust rejects bribery allegations
Briefly News reported that the Malaka Family Trust rubbished the recent bribery claims made.
The trust believes that the allegations are part of a politically motivated campaign.
Citizens weighed in on the statement, with some in support of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO.
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Source: Briefly News
