By REGINALD KANYANE
A man (46) was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for contravention of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act (POCA) 12 of 2004, corruption. Lebogang Matthew Theane was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and Serious Corruption Investigation members on 29 March 2022, for alleged theft and corruption.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said Theane was charged alongside his colleague, Lebone Shomang (39). Thebe said Lebone’s case continues after their matter was separated for trial.
“The Hawks in Upington received a complaint from the lawful owner’s nephew alleging that his uncle’s minibus was impounded without a fine, by South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs Division in Kakamas. The nephew approached Theane with a view of having the minibus released.
“The accused in his capacity as SARS Custom official, demanded gratification to an amount of R8000 prior the release of the minibus to its lawful owner. Theane was sentenced by Upington Magistrate’s Court after entering into a guilty plea,” he said.
Thebe further said Upington Magistrate’s Court sentenced the accused to a fine of R30 000 or 12 months imprisonment, and a 24 months Correctional Supervision Court on 17 September 2024. He added that the case against the second accused continues and was postponed until 7 October 2024.
The Guardian 