The family of the late arts icon, Pesa Pheko, is not happy with the Free State Department of Correctional Services.
This is after three officials of the department who were transporting Nombulelo Jwili, the wife of the late Pesa Pheko, were caught on video allowing her family close proximity to talk with her.
It’s alleged that the officials took a bribe to enable Jwili’s family to speak with her and allegedly give her something while they were supposed to drive her straight to prison after her court appearance
Nombulelo Jwili and Motlatsi Ramosoeu are accused of brutally murdering Pesa Pheko.
Khausu Pheko, Pesa’s elder brother, said on 25 March 2025, an incident occurred at the Botshabelo magistrate court where the siblings of Nombulelo Jwili and co-accused Motlatsi Ramosweu, who are accused of the brutal murder of Pesa Pheko, together with some Sangomas approached the correctional services car which was carrying Nombulelo.
They were caught on camera when correctional services officials made a stop for the families to speak with Jwili, allegedly. Khausu alleged that the officials had allegedly taken a bribe to make things easier for the family to talk to Jwili.
“Upon seeing one of the Pheko family members taking a video. The officials chased him with the Departmental car, demanding his phone. We, as the family, took a video and made it go viral because we felt that this was an obstruction of justice, and the case was taken by the Department of Correctional Services.“
Khausu alleged that they were told that the three officials pleaded guilty to allegedly taking a bribe and were allegedly given final written warnings.
‘We are not happy with that charge, but there’s nothing we can do, and this simply means corruption will never stop in those facilities. We know that people with money always get what they want. If things continue to happen in this manner, will we ever get justice?” Asked Khausu.
The Department of Correctional Services National Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said the allegations were thoroughly investigated, and the investigating officer found no substance to the claims of bribery. As a result, the charges did not include any element of bribery.
“Furthermore, the family was never called to a meeting where the three officials were allegedly present and pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe, as suggested in the media enquiry.” Said Nxumalo.
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