Mpumalanga premier David Mabuza's spokesman has been released on bail after appearing in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court for allegedly trying to bribe a journalist, the SABC reported on Thursday.
Mabutho Sithole was given bail of R6000 and the corruption case against him postponed to February 11, the broadcaster said.
Sithole was removed from his post in December 2010.
City Press journalist Sizwe Sama Yende approached the police's organised crime unit in December 2010 and laid a charge of corruption, after Sithole allegedly paid him R5000 a few days earlier to drop a corruption story involving Mabuza.
The story involves alleged corruption related to a R230-million tender to supply farms with equipment.
Sithole claimed the money was meant as a Christmas present for Sama Yende's children. -
Sapa