A former District Court Prosecutor, Siphokazi Magangana, and her alleged accomplice, Yandisa Yolanda Jam Jam, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption and money laundering.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Magangana and Jam Jam are accused of exploiting vulnerable job seekers by soliciting payments in exchange for unfulfilled promises of employment.
Received R10k payments for jobs
The NPA revealed that Magangana, previously stationed at Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, allegedly deceived three individuals in August 2022, convincing them to deposit R10,000 each into Jam Jam’s bank account.
The payments were purportedly for securing permanent prosecutor positions without undergoing standard recruitment processes, such as interviews.
When the promised jobs failed to materialise, the victims lodged complaints with the NPA’s Office for Ethics and Accountability in May 2023.
Following an investigation, the unit recommended in December 2023 that Magangana face disciplinary action through the NPA’s Labour Relations Unit and be charged with corruption and fraud.
Exploitation of desperate people
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana confirmed the matter.
“These actions undermine the integrity of our institution. They exploit the desperation of those seeking employment,” said Mjonondwana.
“The NPA is committed to rooting out such misconduct and ensuring justice is served.”
Both Magangana and Jam Jam remain in custody. They are scheduled to return to court on Friday [June 20, 2025] for a possible bail hearing.
Mjonondwana urged the public to be cautious of fraudulent schemes.
“Legitimate NPA hiring processes are transparent and require no payments,” she emphasised.
“Vacancies are advertised on official NPA and Department of Public Service and Administration websites. Also on our social media platforms.”
The NPA reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards. It cautioned against falling prey to false promises of employment.
Meanwhile, in February, a former Limpopo court interpreter was arrested for fraud.
Court interpreter nabbed for fraud
Mahlako Charmaine Nchabeleng, 39, appeared briefly in the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court in Lebowakgomo.
She was arrested for alleged fraud amounting to more than R250, 000.
Nchabeleng was reportedly employed as an interpreter at Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court in Lebowakgomo. This was during 2019 and 2020.
It was during this time that she allegedly scammed unsuspecting victims of large sums of money. She did this by promising them employment as casual workers.
READ MORE: Ex-Limpopo court interpreter busted for fake jobs scheme
