POLOKWANE – The Seshego District Court’s former public prosecutor, charged with corruption, will be sentenced on April 21 in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court.
Guester Rhulani Maboela appeared before the same court last Thursday, but the matter was postponed as the sentencing report had still not been completed, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The 48-year-old was convicted by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on November 8, 2022 on charges of corruption, extortion and defeating the ends of justice.
In May 2019, Maboela demanded R1 500 gratification from a complainant, who was arrested for driving under the influence of liquor, in order to withdraw the charges against him.
Hawks provincial spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke said the complainant reported the matter to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit and a swift undercover operation was conducted. “The operation resulted in the arrest of the accused at her workplace soon after accepting gratification,” a statement read.
Maluleke added that an investigation discovered that the case of driving under the influence of liquor against the complainant was withdrawn.
She remained on extended bail until her first sentencing appearance that had been on January 25.
At the time of her conviction, only a month had passed after another prosecutor from the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court pleaded guilty for taking a R6 000 bribe to make a reckless and negligent driving case docket disappear.
In his plea, the prosecutor said he accepted the gratification with the intention to destroy the docket, which were brought against the minor child, instead of referring the case to the Child Justice Court.
