The incidents relating to the case took place at the Hlanganani Magistrate's Court where Hlungwani.
According to the spokesperson of the police in the Lowveld area, Insp Moatshe Ngoepe, the incidents took place between January and April this year. According to the police statement, Hlungwani was allegedly releasing prisoners whose cases were postponed to later dates, while they were refused bail.
The statement further indicates that the prisoners would then allegedly pay Hlungwani large amounts of money as a reward for the favours he did to them. The whole scam came in the open when the police received a tip-off from members of the community.
Hlungani was arrested two days before his court appearance. The case was remanded to July 26, while Hlungwani was released on R2 500 bail. Ngoepe further stated that more scandals are likely to be uncovered as the police investigations are continuing.
* In a separate incident, the police in the Lowveld are investigating the death of a trial awaiting prisoner. According to the statement, Mr Erick Mashele (24), of Julesburg was found dead in the cells of the Ritavi Police Station last Thursday morning.
According to Ngoepe there were multiple injuries all over his body. The cause of his death was still under investigation by the police from the area and the Independent Complaint Directorate at the time of going to the press.