Convicted Makinya Nicodemus Phalama.
Makinya Nicodemus Phalama,36 was sentenced for two counts of corruption by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 02 September 2024.
The heard that in 2019, the police arrested suspects for possession of stolen properties being tower batteries at Mankweng police area.
During the arrest police seized those batteries and Ford Ranger that was used in the commission of crime.
The vehicle was taken to Seshego pounding station. Hawks Asset Forfeiture Unit was entrusted with the handling of vehicle investigation since it was used in the commission of crime.
Mr Phalama contacted the investigator and asked her to release his car from the pounding station.
He sent R1500 through cash send and asked the investigating officer to meet him around town for an outstanding balance of R2000.
The investigator reported the matter to the authorities, and the entrapment was made. The accused was arrested immediately after handing money to the investigating officer.
The case of corruption was opened and investigated by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation was entrusted with the investigation of the case. Through the meritorious investigation, Mr Phalama was convicted and sentenced on two counts of corruption. Six years imprisonment for each count.
His car was forfeited to the state as it was used in commission of crime.
The court applauded the investigating officer for being brave and reporting the matter to the authorities. “It is very rare to find the investigating of her caliber.We wish other police officials can copy good practices from this female police officer, ” said court official.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender hailed the investigating team and National Prosecuting Authority for securing the conviction and sentencing of the accused. “This sentence will serve as a deterence to other people who want to corrupt officials,” concluded General Govender.