FICKSBURG – Two police sergeants of the Ficksburg SAPS received significant praise for upholding the law, integrity and reinforcing ethical conduct, refusing a bribe from a smuggler of illicit cigarettes.
The ethical conduct of the two sergeants, Lehasa Paulus Lekholokoe and Mohau Donald Seshoeshoe, resulted in the sentencing of Mubien Anwary (43) by the Ficksburg Magistrates’ Court on 16 February. The officers were attached to the Ficksburg SAPS Crime Prevention unit.
Maj Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, provincial head of the Hawks, praised all officers, both Hawks and SAPS, involved for staying true to their oath and securing the conviction.
The commendable action arose from an incident on 25 July 2024, when the two officers responded to information about a truck that was transporting illicit cigarettes worth R1,2 million.
Lt. Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the two sergeants unashamedly refused an R15 000 bribe from Anwary. He said evidence presented in court revealed that the accused had offered them cash in exchange for the release of the truck, which was carrying illicit cigarettes.
“The officers went to a house in Ficksburg where the consignment was found. During the processing of the crime scene, Anwary arrived in a black BMW. He then called the two officers to his vehicle where he offered them R15 000 as gratification in exchange for letting the truck go. Both sergeants flatly refused. Instead, they alerted the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation detectives, leading to the arrest of the accused at the scene. The consignment was handed over to customs officials,” said Mohobeleli.
He said the court sentenced Anwary to pay a fine of R150 000, or five years’ imprisonment.
“The R90 000 or three years is suspended for five years on the condition that he is not found guilty of a similar crime.”
Mohobeleli said an investigation revealed the truck belonged to a courier service company and had been rented.
