Former police officer, Abram Mashila Mtsweni has been found guilty and sentenced by the Ermelo Regional Court for contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said during 2015, Mtsweni was employed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) as an investigating officer, based at the Ermelo Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU).
“He was approached by a member of the public requesting him to assist with motor vehicle clearance,” said Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala.
“The accused demanded money from the complainant to do so. The member of the public allegedly paid an amount of R16,000 to the accused, to be assisted.”
However, the clearing of the vehicle did not happen.
“The member of the public reported the matter to SAPS for investigation. The matter was referred to the Hawks Middelburg-based serious corruption investigation (unit) for investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of the accused by the Hawks,” said Tshabalala.
Mtsweni was found guilty and sentenced by the Ermelo Regional Court on Wednesday.
The former police officer was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment, with two years are suspended for a period of five years on condition that Mtsweni is not convicted for a similar crime during the period of suspension.
Meanwhile, acting provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Danie Hall has welcomed the conviction and sentence.
“The sentence will send out a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated amongst SAPS members who are employed to serve the public,” said Hall.
He also warned community members to avoid getting involved in corruption.
Hall emphasised that members of the public must not pay public officials to do favours for them, as they also can be charged for corruption.
Last year, IOL reported that Mtsweni had been re-arrested by the Middelburg Hawks after he missed his court appearances.
At the time, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the former police officer was found at Belfast.
IOL