Man who tried to bribe Hawks officials, sentenced for corruption in Mokopane
The man had arranged with his business associate to offer a R60 000 bribe in exchange for his freedom after illicit cigarettes worth over R700 000 was found at a warehouse.
LIMPOPO – The Mokopane Magistrate’s Court, on Wednesday, sentenced 27-year-old, Abdi Khani Osman Mohamed, to six years’ direct imprisonment for corruption.
Mohamed was arrested on Wednesday, 12 August after the Hawks received a tip-off about a vehicle that had transported illicit cigarettes.
Read more: Hawks bust illicit smokes warehouse in Mokopane
Hawks Provincial Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke said that the tip-off resulted in the discovery of an illicit cigarette warehouse in Mokopane.
“The Hawks managed to seize 42 boxes containing different types of illicit cigarettes worth over R700 000. Whilst the members were busy counting the boxes, the accused arranged with his business associate to offer a R60 000 gratification in exchange for his freedom,” Maluleke’s statement read.
A charge of corruption was added.
“The accused was out on R5000 bail until his conviction and sentencing. His next court date for dealing in illicit cigarettes is still to be determined,” he concluded.
