POLOKWANE -Two former Limpopo SAPS members, Constable Moreen Ramantswane (41) and Warrant Officer Patrick Motsheketsheke (61) will serve time in prison amid both were handed partially suspended sentences.

The Morebeng Regional Court sentenced both on Thursday, after finding them guilty of corruption relating to escorting illicit cigarette smuggles in 2014. The pair were out on bail for the duration of the criminal trial that followed their arrest in December 2014.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo police spokesperson, confirmed in a statement that the pair’s sentencing relates to escorting illicit cigarette smugglers while attached to Morebeng SAPS. “Both accused were convicted on all counts of contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. Motsheketsheke was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, of which three years are suspended for five years. Ramantswane was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment, of which five years are suspended for five years,” said Ledwaba. Motsheketsheke will serve three years in prison while his accomplice Ramantswane will serve five years. Part of their sentences was suspended on condition that they do not break the law during the period.

Investigation

Ledwaba said the rogue officers’ sentences stemmed from a meticulous investigation by the Provincial Police Crime Intelligence Unit during July 2014. He said that probing involved the National Investigation Unit in Pretoria, which led to the arrest of both accused on 6 December 2014.

“The investigation aimed at exposing police officials providing safe passage to cigarette smugglers. Ramantswane and Motsheketsheke were identified after participating in escorting undercover agents posing as cigarette smugglers. Ramantswane participated on three occasions, while Motsheketsheke participated on two occasions,” said Ledwaba.

Ledwaba said both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms, adding that their sentencing followed their dismissal from SAPS. “Ramantswane was initially reinstated after a ruling by the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council (SSSBC) and last stationed at the Makhado SAPS,” he said.

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