Latest news with #R5m
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- The Citizen
High Court sentences Seth Nthai for soliciting R5 Million bribe
In a landmark judgment delivered by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg on July 30, former senior counsel Seth Nthai was convicted for soliciting a R5m bribe linked to a high-profile international arbitration case. Nthai, who represented the South African government in the high-profile Piero Foresti arbitration dispute, pleaded guilty to soliciting a substantial bribe from Italian businessman Mario Marcenaro during a meeting in Sandton on October 10, 2009. The intended bribe aimed to sway the arbitration outcome in favour of Marcenaro and co-claimants, threatening the integrity of a case involving the South African government itself. Also read: Sandton crime stats show ups and downs While the R5m was never paid, the court emphasised that even the solicitation of such a bribe represents a severe violation of ethical and legal responsibilities. The sentence included a R500 000 fine or two years' imprisonment, plus a five-year suspended prison sentence contingent on avoiding further offences. The National Prosecuting Authority's regional spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, praised the conviction as a milestone in the fight against corruption, particularly within the legal sector. 'This case exposes how corruption can undermine justice and public trust, especially when legal professionals manipulate the system for personal gain.' 'Although the R5m was never paid, the court found that the mere solicitation of such a bribe constituted a serious breach of legal and ethical duty.' Also read: Billboard visually pollutes Bryanston Highlighting the complex legal proceedings, including the recusal of a judge and retrials, Mjonondwane said that Nthai's cooperation and guilty plea were factored into the sentencing. 'The case had a complex legal history, including extensive trial proceedings and the recusal of the initial presiding judge after several state witnesses had already testified. This led to the matter being restarted before a new judge, ultimately resulting in the current plea agreement. 'This conviction affirms our commitment to fighting corruption, especially within the legal profession and among public office bearers. The abuse of public trust and the justice system by legal professionals is a serious threat to the rule of law. Mr Nthai's actions were a betrayal of that trust, and this sentence sends a clear message that no one is above the law.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Senior advocate Seth Nthai convicted and sentenced for soliciting R5m bribe
The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, in Johannesburg, convicted and sentenced former senior counsel Seth Nthai yesterday, after he pleaded guilty to corruption charges relating to a 2009 bribery scandal involving an international arbitration case. Sandton Chronicle reports that Nthai admitted to soliciting a R5m bribe from Italian businessman Mario Marcenaro during a meeting in Sandton on October 10, 2009. At the time, Nthai was representing the South African government in the high-profile Piero Foresti and others v The Government of the Republic of South Africa case. The bribe was intended to influence the outcome of the arbitration in favour of Marcenaro and his co-claimants. As part of a plea and sentence agreement, the court imposed a fine of R500 000 or two years' imprisonment. Additionally, Nthai received a five-year sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period. The court noted the severity of the offence, particularly given that the complainant in the matter was the South African government itself. The judge also considered Nthai's guilty plea, co-operation during proceedings, and his age when delivering the sentence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, said the investigations revealed that Nthai had disclosed confidential and strategic information about the case to Marcenaro without authorisation in exchange for the promised bribe. 'Although the R5m was never paid, the court found that the mere solicitation of such a bribe constituted a serious breach of legal and ethical duty,' said Mjonondwane. 'The case had a complex legal history, including extensive trial proceedings and the recusal of the initial presiding judge after several state witnesses had already testified. This led to the matter being restarted before a new judge, ultimately resulting in the current plea agreement.' She added that they have welcomed the conviction as a significant victory in their ongoing efforts to root out corruption. 'This conviction affirms our commitment to fighting corruption, especially within the legal profession and among public office bearers. The abuse of public trust and the justice system by legal professionals is a serious threat to the rule of law. Mr Nthai's actions were a betrayal of that trust, and this sentence sends a clear message that no one is above the law.' Mjonondwane explained the importance of maintaining integrity within state institutions. 'This outcome demonstrates that unethical behaviour, regardless of one's status or position, will be prosecuted vigorously. We will continue to act without fear or favour to protect the public interest.' The NPA has reiterated its ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability across all sectors, particularly in cases involving the manipulation of justice for personal enrichment. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Senior advocate Seth Nthai convicted and sentenced for soliciting R5 Million bribe
The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, convicted and sentenced former Senior Counsel Seth Nthai on July 30, after he pleaded guilty to corruption charges relating to a 2009 bribery scandal involving an international arbitration case. Nthai admitted to soliciting a R5m bribe from Italian businessman Mario Marcenaro during a meeting in Sandton on October 10, 2009. At the time, Nthai was representing the South African government in the high-profile Piero Foresti and others v The Government of the Republic of South Africa case. The bribe was intended to influence the outcome of the arbitration in favour of Marcenaro and his co-claimants. Also read: Sandton crime stats show ups and downs As part of a plea and sentence agreement, the court imposed a fine of R500 000 or two years' imprisonment. Additionally, Nthai received a five-year sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period. The court noted the severity of the offence, particularly given that the complainant in the matter was the South African government itself. The judge also considered Nthai's guilty plea, cooperation during proceedings, and his age when delivering the sentence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, said the investigations revealed that Nthai had disclosed confidential and strategic information about the case to Marcenaro without authorisation in exchange for the promised bribe. 'Although the R5m was never paid, the court found that the mere solicitation of such a bribe constituted a serious breach of legal and ethical duty,' said Mjonondwane. Also read: Law student gains invaluable advocacy experience at human rights moot court 'The case had a complex legal history, including extensive trial proceedings and the recusal of the initial presiding judge after several state witnesses had already testified. This led to the matter being restarted before a new judge, ultimately resulting in the current plea agreement.' She added that they have welcomed the conviction as a significant victory in their ongoing efforts to root out corruption. 'This conviction affirms our commitment to fighting corruption, especially within the legal profession and among public office bearers. The abuse of public trust and the justice system by legal professionals is a serious threat to the rule of law. Mr Nthai's actions were a betrayal of that trust, and this sentence sends a clear message that no one is above the law.' Mjonondwane explained the importance of maintaining integrity within state institutions. 'This outcome demonstrates that unethical behaviour, regardless of one's status or position, will be prosecuted vigorously. We will continue to act without fear or favour to protect the public interest.' The NPA has reiterated its ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability across all sectors, particularly in cases involving the manipulation of justice for personal enrichment. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
TimesLIVE
30-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Disbarred advocate, ex-Limpopo MEC Seth Nthai sentenced for corruption
Disbarred advocate and former Limpopo safety MEC Seth Nthai has been sentenced to two years behind bars or a fine of R500,000 after he pleaded guilty to corruption. Nthai tried to solicit a R5m bribe from Italian businessman Mario Vittorrio Marcenaro and his associates 16 years ago. On Wednesday Nthai entered into a plea agreement with the state in the Johannesburg high court. He was then found guilty and sentenced. The court ordered him to pay the first R50,000 immediately after the order. Thereafter he would pay R50,000 monthly until March 2026. In exchange for the R5m gratification he offered to accept from Marcenaro, he would use his influence to get the government to agree to settle the matter [dispute] with each party paying its own costs Court documents At the time he asked for a bribe, Nthai was representing the government, which was locked in a mining dispute with Italian businesses. According to the state, not only did Nthai solicit a bribe, but he also disclosed the merits of the government's case, defences, technical strategies, possible settlement and possible reward if the case was settled in favour of Marcenaro or other claimants of the case. 'In exchange for the R5m gratification he offered to accept from Marcenaro, he would use his influence to get the government to agree to settle the matter [dispute] with each party paying its own costs,' according to court documents. Nthai was disbarred in 2013 but later readmitted by the Limpopo High Court which found depression and anxiety could explain his attempt to solicit a R5m bribe. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) later overturned his readmission to the bar and referred the ruling to the National Prosecuting Authority to consider possible criminal charges. The SCA at the time ruled that on his own version there was no escape from the fact that his attempt to solicit a bribe constituted a serious crime, for which he was not charged.
TimesLIVE
02-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Cash-strapped Safa far from assuring Amajita's bonuses for winning U-20 Afcon
The Amajita team is unlikely to receive bonuses for winning the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in May. This after SA Football Association (Safa) CEO Lydia Monyepoa revealed after its congress at the weekend that the costs of running the team exceed what the association received for winning the event. There were expectations that Amajita, who also qualified for the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, would be rewarded for their efforts. Amajita, who received R3.6m for winning the tournament for the first time with coach Raymond Madaka in Egypt, qualified for the World Cup with Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria. Egypt have been pitted against Chile, New Zealand and Japan in Group A, while in Group C Morocco, who lost to SA in the final, will face Mexico, Brazil and Spain in a 'group of death' in the tournament. Amajita should fancy their chances of progressing in Group E where they'll meet USA, France and New Caledonia. Nigeria is in Group F with Colombia, Norway and Saudi Arabia. Safa posted a deficit of more than R5m in its 2024 financial statement at the congress, and expressed concern about many junior national teams not attracting sponsors despite their recent successes.
