THE future of Mabutho Sithole, spokesperson for Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza, appears to be at stake following questions sent to him demanding an explanation over allegations that he had bribed a City Press reporter.

Provincial government director-general Jacob Rabodila confirmed that he had sent questions to Sithole seeking his explanation into the allegations.

He declined to be drawn into explaining whether this meant Sithole's job was on the line.

Sithole also declined to comment about the nature of the questions he had received but confirmed having received them.

Mpumalanga-based journalist Sizwe sama Yende claimed in his statement to the police that Sithole bribed him with R5000 in cash on Friday last week in an apparent attempt to stop him from writing a scandalous story involving Mabuza.

Sama Yende said this happened after the two had had lunch that was paid for by Sithole at a restaurant at the Botanical Gardens in Nelspruit.