Ex-Home Affairs permit adjudicator convicted after investigator rejects R10,000 bribe to stop internal probe! In a landmark case, former adjudicator Phanuel Mokomo from the Department of Home Affairs’ permit section has been found guilty of corruption by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The conviction comes after Mokomo attempted to bribe an internal investigator with R10,000 to halt a probe into his illegal activities.
Investigation into Irregular Permit Approvals
Mokomo came under scrutiny for his role in the irregular issuance and approval of permits at the Department of Home Affairs. Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, revealed that an internal investigation had flagged him for corrupt practices.
When confronted, Mokomo offered a bribe to the investigator in an effort to suppress the investigation. However, instead of accepting the bribe, the matter was promptly reported to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), widely known as the Hawks, in September 2018.
Entrapment Operation and Arrest
The DPCI swiftly authorized an entrapment operation under Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, to catch Mokomo red-handed.
“The operation culminated in Mokomo being caught in the act of offering the R10,000 gratification to the internal investigator of the Department of Home Affairs,” stated Mogale.
Mokomo was immediately arrested and charged with corruption. The operation highlighted the importance of decisive and collaborative actions in combating corruption within public institutions.
Court Proceedings and Conviction
Following numerous court appearances over the years, Mokomo was finally found guilty on Wednesday, November 22, 2024. The case has been postponed to February 18, 2025, when he will be sentenced.
This conviction sends a strong message about the judicial system’s intolerance for corruption, particularly in public institutions. Mokomo now faces the full weight of the law for betraying public trust and undermining the integrity of the Department of Home Affairs.
Importance of Inter-Agency Collaboration
Colonel Mogale emphasized the significance of inter-agency efforts in combating corruption:
“This conviction underscores the DPCI’s commitment to combating corruption, particularly in cases that threaten the integrity of public institutions such as the Department of Home Affairs. The successful entrapment and prosecution demonstrate the importance of inter-agency collaboration in holding public officials accountable.”
The Hawks’ meticulous investigation and the cooperation of the Department of Home Affairs highlight the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in rooting out corruption.
Broader Implications of the Conviction
Corruption within public institutions not only damages their credibility but also impedes service delivery, affecting millions of South Africans. Cases like Mokomo’s reveal how corrupt individuals exploit their positions for personal gain, undermining the trust placed in public servants.
The conviction represents a crucial step in restoring faith in government institutions. By holding Mokomo accountable, the justice system reinforces the principle that no individual is above the law.
Commitment to Combating Corruption
The DPCI remains resolute in its mission to combat corruption across all sectors of government. Mogale reiterated:
“The DPCI remains steadfast in its mission to root out corruption and ensure the integrity of public service delivery.”
This case adds to the growing list of successful prosecutions led by the Hawks, reinforcing their dedication to fighting corruption at all levels.
Next Steps
As Mokomo awaits sentencing, the focus shifts to ensuring that this conviction serves as a deterrent to others in positions of power. The Department of Home Affairs and the Hawks have demonstrated that corruption will not be tolerated and that decisive action will be taken against perpetrators.
Conclusion
Phanuel Mokomo’s conviction marks a significant victory in the fight against corruption. It underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding public institutions. With continued vigilance and enforcement, South Africa moves closer to eradicating corruption and restoring public trust in its government systems.
The post Ex-Home Affairs permit adjudicator convicted after investigator rejects R10,000 bribe to stop internal probe appeared first on News365.co.za.
Zim Instantly via Simplex Solutions