The accused former prosecutor, Mahlomola Gideon Khuto (52), appeared before the Harrismith Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 15 November, where he was sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment for corruption.
According to Captain Christopher Singo, on 19 December 2011, the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in Bloemfontein received a complaint from the victim that Khuto, who was working as a prosecutor at the Batho Magistrates’ Court in Bloemfontein, demanded R500 from him so that he (Khuto) can withdraw a case.
“An operation was then conducted at the Batho Magistrate’s Court, which led to the arrest of Khuto after he was found in possession of the R500 he demanded from the victim. The court sentenced Khuto to eight years direct imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Singo.
He added that the Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, has welcomed the sentencing and commended the prosecutors and investigators who were working on the case. “We must not show mercy on people who abuse their positions of authority. South Africa will pay the heaviest of prices if this last line of defence are allowed to collapse,” she said.
Compiled Justine Fortuin
