Suspended KwaZulu-Natal Correctional Services Commissioner, Mnikelwa Nxele, has been granted R50 000 bail in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court. Nxele was arrested on Tuesday by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
He faces charges of fraud and money laundering allegedly committed between 2004 and 2023.
Nxele appeared calm as he made his first appearance in the court. His arrest on Tuesday comes after he was placed on precautionary suspension in May 2025 amid corruption allegations.
He has previously faced multiple suspensions and disciplinary proceedings related to alleged misconduct and was also implicated during the State Capture Commission’s investigations.
The State informed the court that funds were deposited into several bank accounts under his control and subsequently transferred to other accounts. It is alleged that Nxele also failed to declare R11 million to his employer.
The prosecutor, Peter Serunye, addressed the court.
“It is alleged that between January 2006 and December 2023 the accused received huge amounts of cash from persons unknown to the State into his various bank accounts. The accused purchased luxury vehicles and expensive properties in his personal capacity or through the Zondoba Trust of which he is the soul managing trustee. Investigations also indicate that in the majority of these purchases, the accused will pay huge deposits and or pay the vehicles and properties in short succession of cash payments that cannot be afforded on his salary.”
KZN DCS commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele is appearing at PMB magistrates court. He’s facing charges of fraud and money laundering. State says it is not opposing bail. Nxele says he intends to plead not guilty. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/4e2ny954Ov
— Nonhlakanipho (@nipsta1724) June 24, 2026
Nxele denies any wrongdoings and has informed the court that he has no pending criminal cases. As part of his bail conditions, the court ordered Nxele to surrender his passport.
The case has been postponed to 16 September.
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