Former Public Prosecutor Guesta Rhulani Maboela sentenced. Photo: Hawks Limpopo
Female Public Prosecutor sentenced for corruption
In May 2019, the accused in her professional capacity as a Public Prosecutor demanded R1500-00 gratification from a complainant.
Former Public Prosecutor Guesta Rhulani Maboela sentenced. Photo: Hawks Limpopo
Former Seshego District Court Public Prosecutor, Guesta Rhulani Maboela (49) was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment for corruption by the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 28 April 2023, a sentence that has been welcomed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
THE IMPLICATION OF THE FORMER PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
In May 2019, the accused in her professional capacity as a Public Prosecutor demanded R1500-00 gratification from a complainant who was arrested for driving under the influence of liquor in order to withdraw the charges against him.
Police spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said the complainant reported the matter to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation and a swift undercover operation was conducted.
CORRUPT OFFICIAL SET UP TO ACCEPT THE GRATIFICATION
Captain Maluleke
“The operation resulted in the arrest of Maboela at her workplace immediately after receiving a gratification.”
ALSO READ: Bookkeeper sentenced for stealing COVID-19 TERS Fund
Maluleke added, “As the investigation progressed, it was discovered that the case of driving under the influence of liquor against the complainant was indeed withdrawn. Maboela was convicted by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Polokwane on 8 November 2022. Since then, she was on her extended bail until she was sentenced”.
HAWKS PROVINCIAL HEAD APPLAUDS TEAM BEHIND INVESTIGATION
The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gopz Govender has lauded both the investigation and prosecution teams for their sterling work.
“We are determined to fight the scourge of corruption without fear or favour,” said Major General Govender.
- ALSO READ: BOSA urges Andre De Ruyter to reveal all on Eskom corruption
- ALSO READ: Maimane ready to open a case when De Ruyter releases the name
Meanwhile, last year a former prosecutor in Mpumalanga was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for committing fraud.
Aaron Pule Mohanwe‘s conviction follows information which was received that he was accepting money for not enrolling drug-related cases. He was consequently charged for fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
ALSO READ: Former prosecutor sentenced to 10 years for corruption
