The Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Limpopo sentenced 36-year-old Makinya Nicodemus Phalama to six years in jail after convicting him on corruption charges.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said trouble started for Phalama when he was intercepted while in possession of cellphone tower batteries in his vehicle, a Ford Ranger bakkie.
“During 2019, the police arrested the suspects for possession of stolen property, tower batteries, at Mankweng police area. During the arrest, police seized the batteries and a Ford Ranger that was used in the commission of the crime,” said Limpopo Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa.
The impounded vehicle was taken to the pound at Seshego.
Mmuroa added that the Hawks’ asset forfeiture unit was entrusted with the handling of the vehicle investigation as police believed the Ford Ranger was used in committing the crime.
“Phalama contacted the investigator and asked her to release his car from the pound. He sent R1,500 through cash-send and asked the investigating officer to meet him around town for an outstanding balance of R2,000,” said Mmuroa.
The dedicated police officer reported the matter to her colleagues and a trap was set for Phalama.
“The accused was arrested immediately after handing money to the investigating officer. A case of corruption was opened and investigated by the Hawks serious corruption investigation (unit). Through the meritorious investigation, Phalama was convicted and sentenced on two counts of corruption,” said Mmuroa.
He said Phalama was sentenced to six years imprisonment for each case.
His vehicle, the Ford Ranger was forfeited to the State, as it was used in commission of crime.
The court applauded the incorruptible investigating officer, who raised the alarm.
Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gops Govender has saluted the investigating team and the prosecutors for securing the conviction and sentence.
IOL