A Lesotho national has forfeited R320,000 after attempting to bribe police officers at the Maseru Port of Entry in March 2024. The Free State High Court has ruled that the funds be seized following an investigation by the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU).
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti stated that the suspect, Mokhali Sankoela, was found in possession of a large amount of cash he could not account for and allegedly tried to bribe officers to evade arrest.
“The forfeiture order stems from an arrest at the Maseru Port of Entry, where a 39-year-old Lesotho national was caught with a significant sum of money he could not justify and attempted to bribe police officers on March 26, 2024,” Matoti confirmed.
Following the arrest, the case was handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Bethlehem for further investigation.
Legal proceedings remain ongoing, with the case postponed to March 17, 2025, at the Ladybrand Commercial Court.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head in the Free State, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, commended law enforcement for securing the forfeiture order, reinforcing the authorities’ stance against financial crimes and corruption.
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