South Africa: 20 security officers sentenced for fraudulent competency certificates

Twenty security officers in Mpumalanga have been jailed after being convicted of possessing fraudulently acquired competency certificates, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has revealed.

Hawks provincial spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, said the officers received sentences ranging from six to 12 months’ imprisonment, with the option of paying fines between R2,000 and R10,000.

“The accused, Thulani Mndawe, 51; Frank Ndlovu, 46; Derrick Shongwe; 48; Thomas Ngomane, 62; January Sithole, 46; Issac Ndzuza, 47; Smangele Mndawe, 46; Nicholas Mashaba, 37; Petrus Dube, 56; Phumulani Mbuyisa, 43; David Sikhwela, 54; Bongani Mbonani, 50; Patrick Nkosi, 44; Sipho Singwane, 52; Fana Motha, 46; March Shongwe, 55; Petrus Ngqane, 55; Peter Nyalunga, 62; Karlos Mathenjwa, 42, and Nollen Nkambule, 57, appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on different dates and sentences were handed down on separate dates,” said Nkosi.

Nkosi said all but one of the officers pleaded guilty.

Bongani Mbonani maintained his innocence but was convicted after trial and handed the heaviest sentence: 12 months’ imprisonment with the option of a R10,000 fine. The remaining 19 officers were each sentenced to between six and 12 months, with alternative fines ranging from R2,000 to R6,000.

He said the convictions stemmed from an investigation by the Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation team following reports of corrupt activities. The probe formed part of Operation Cobra, which led to the arrests.

The Mpumalanga provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber, has commended security company G4S for reporting the matter to the Hawks.

Gerber also praised the dedication by both the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority for the positive court results