Klerksdorp man charged with corruption after allegedly offering Hawks R10,000 to drop drug case

A Nigerian national has been arrested and charged with corruption after allegedly offering members of the Hawks R10,000 to withdraw a drug-possession case.

Arrest and court appearance

Augustine Chinedu Onah, 42, appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday on corruption charges. His case was remanded to 5 October 2026 for a formal bail application.

Allegations and undercover operation

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI or the Hawks) alleges Onah contacted Hawks members to have a drug-possession investigation against him withdrawn and closed. During the communications, he allegedly offered R10,000 as gratification.

An undercover operation was carried out by the DPCI-Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. During a meeting with members of that unit, Onah allegedly offered R3,000 and indicated he would pay the balance later.

Police statement

“He was subsequently arrested and charged with corruption. The accused was arrested by the Klerksdorp-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit on Friday, September 25, 2026,”

said Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu, police spokesperson.

Charge and next steps

Onah faces corruption charges linked to the alleged attempted bribery of Hawks members. He remains before the court pending the scheduled bail application on 5 October 2026.