Former Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla Appears in Court on BOSASA Corruption Charges

Former Minister appears in court for alleged BOSASA corruption. (CrimeWatchRSA)

by Mathipa Phishego

The Former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla, appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, October 1, with charges of fraud and contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA).

Makwetla was arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and subsequently released on R10 000 bail. The court postponed the matter to November 4, 2025 for disclosure.

The case arises from a 2015 security upgrade at Makwetla’s private residence, allegedly carried out by facilities management company BOSASA, at a cost of approximately R350 000.

Investigators allege that Makwetla failed to declare the benefit to Parliament for over four years, in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests governing Members of Parliament.

His prosecution adds to the growing list of politicians and public servants drawn into the BOSASA corruption scandal, which has implicated numerous high-ranking officials over the past decade.