By OBAKENG MAJE
10 February 2025- A Botswana policeman, Mompolloki Boitshoko (42), whowas arrested for corruption and conspiracy, briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court.The charges relate to an incident that occurred on 25 November 2024, near Mahikeng, where the accused allegedly offered a SARS official an amount of R100,000, for him to release an impounded truck at the border.
During his bail application, which was held on 5 December 2024, evidence presented in court revealed that there was a truck that was detained by South African Revenue Services (SARS) at Skilpadshek Border post that had cigarettes worth over R1 million.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the driver of the truck was apprehended for contravention of the Customs and Exercise Act 91 of 1964. Gunya said the alleged truck, cigarettes, and trailers, were seized.
“The Botswana policeman allegedly phoned one of the SARS officials to pay him so that the truck can be released. An entrapment was set, which resulted in his arrest by the members of the Mahikeng-based Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation.
“The case has been adjourned until 12 March 2025, for the accused to appoint an attorney and further investigations. The bail of R20,000 has been extended until his next court appearance,” he said.
The Guardian 