The Bethlehem Regional Court has cracked the whip on a now former police officer found guilty of breaking the law while on duty at the port of entry between the Free State and Lesotho. On Wednesday the court sentenced the culprit, Jan Mashinini (38), to six years’ imprisonment with the option of either paying a fine of R90 000 or serving time in prison.
His sentencing ended the ten-year trial that followed his arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit on a charge of corruption. Mashinini held the rank of constable and was attached to the Caledonspoort border post near Fouriesburg at the time of committing the crime.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the accused was allowing Lesotho nationals to illegally cross the border between Lesotho and South Africa.
“They were crossing without valid travelling documents. It was reported that Lesotho nationals were paying gratification in order for them to cross the border illegally. The police then followed up on the information and arrested Mashinini during an operation on 7 May 2013,” said Singo.
He said Mashinini was ordered to pay a fine of R60 000 in monthly instalments of R1 000 until the entire amount is fully paid.
“The court suspended the R30 000 fine and two years’ direct imprisonment for five years,” said Singo.
