By OBAKENG MAJE
The court interpreter has been sentenced to four years imprisonment by Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court for corruption. In August 2016, Victoria Tepo (47) and her accomplice, who passed away during the course of the trial, solicited a R5000 bribe from a complainant to make the docket disappear.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, an undercover operation was conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation. Mamothame further said, this led to the arrest of the duo soon after accepting the gratification from the complainant.
“After making a series of court appearances, the accused was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to four years imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years. Tepo will therefore serve an effective two years direct imprisonment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, together with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the sentencing and vowed that the two entities will act with swiftness to arrest and prosecute those who are involved in corrupt activities.
Mbotho also applauded the investigation team and prosecution for the successful conviction.
The Guardian 