Major General convicted for corruption

The Kimberley Regional Court on Monday convicted Major General (retired), Advocate Thuto Gaogakwe Phefo (62), for contravention of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act brought against him in August 2017.

It was reported that the complainant, a former employee of the South African Police Service (SAPS) had applied for a Brigadier post and was shortlisted. 

Further allegations were that during assessment, she was approached by the accused, who gave her a document containing what he said would be expected in the interviews. 

The complainant said upon opening the document she realised that it was a case study.  She further indicated that the accused solicited R70 000 for the document. 

The complainant allegedly paid the accused R48 000.  An enquiry was opened on 2 August 2017, which resulted in an entrapment operation being conducted. 

The accused was arrested on 13 August 2017 after demanding and receiving the balance of R22 000. The accused was released on a R4 000 bail and has appeared 48 times in court until his conviction.

In the meantime, the complainant was dismissed from the police and the senior manager in question was acquitted in the departmental case. He took an early retirement on 31 March 2020.

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lt Gen (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya, has lauded the perseverance and dedication of the investigation and prosecution team in ensuring that the accused is convicted after many delays.

The case has been postponed to18 October 2024 for sentencing. After conviction, bail was not extended and the convict is remanded in custody. – SAnews.gov.za