Former educator at Musina High School from Nancefield, Shoni Theodor Maoka, 59, was handed a total sentence of 22 years’ imprisonment by the Morebeng Regional Court on Tuesday on four counts of corruption.
The sentences were ordered by the court to run concurrently, resulting in an effective seven-year term of direct imprisonment.
Although the accused entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, the State presented testimony from witnesses who stated that he accepted R45,000 in gratification between September and December 2015.
This sum was received in exchange for facilitating the placement of temporary residence permit stickers and entry stamps inside the passports of foreign nationals.
By engaging in this unlawful conduct, the accused facilitated the illegal stay of foreign nationals in South Africa, performing actions that properly fall under the mandate of the Department of Home Affairs.
Following a comprehensive investigation by the South African Police Service, Maoka was apprehended and subsequently prosecuted.
State Advocate Norman Makhubele, in aggravation of sentence, submitted that the accused had exploited his position as a public servant under the Department of Education for personal financial advantage.
The State submitted that a fine would be inadequate for corruption-related offenses, asserting that direct imprisonment was the sole appropriate sentence.
Additionally, the prosecution argued that his actions exacerbated the rising challenge of illegal immigration by enabling the unlawful entry and residence of foreign nationals in the Republic.
It also argued that the accused’s claims of ill health should not be accorded significant weight, as correctional facilities are equipped to provide medical care to inmates.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Adv. Ivy Thenga, stated that corruption threatens the country’s economic stability and undermines public confidence in state institutions.
She said: “The NPA remains committed to adopting an aggressive stance against corruption and will continue to utilise all available resources to ensure that those who engage in corrupt activities are brought to justice.”
Additionally, Adv. Thenga praised both the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligent efforts in securing the conviction and sentencing.
