20 security officers that were arrested for possession of fraudulently acquired competency certificates were all sentenced to different prison terms, ranging from six to 12 months imprisonment with an 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 handed down on separate dates.
All 20 pleaded guilty on their offences except Bongani Mbonani who maintained his innocence. The other 19 security officers were sentenced to six to twelve months imprisonment with an option to pay between R2 000 and R6 000 fines.
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Mbonani could not convince the court of his innocence and was found guilty by the court and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with an option of R10 000 fine.
The sentence was a result of reaction and commitment by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Corruption Investigation after information about corrupt activities were reported. Operation COBRA was launched resulting in the arrest and sentencing of the security officials.
