HOME AFFAIRS OFFICIAL SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR CORRUPTION

The Giyani Specialized Commercial Crimes Court has convicted and sentenced Amos Mdunwazi Ngwenyama (50), an official in the Department of Home Affairs, to an effective eight (8) year term of imprisonment.

The accused was found guilty of two counts of corruption and sentenced to eight and six years, respectively. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. The court heard that the accused met the erstwhile accused, Isaac Baloyi in Malamulele Home Affairs and the two colluded that Baloyi should refer to the accused anyone who needs a birth certificate.

Baloyi indeed referred an unknown person seeking a birth certificate, then the accused generated an unauthorized birth certificate which he gave to Baloyi and was paid an amount of R1000.

The Home Affairs investigation team which was aware of the pending transaction acted swiftly arresting both the accused and Baloyi in 2021.

In 2023, Baloyi pleaded guilty, and he was convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of R6000 00 or to undergo a 5-year term of imprisonment and a further two years which was wholly suspended for 5 years. And that resulted in the separation of the trial. In aggravation of sentence Adv. Kolelwa Siqongana submitted that the accused was a public official. He was employed earning a monthly salary, he could have distanced himself from this conduct. She further submitted that courts must send a very clear message to the offenders and the public that they will not tolerate corrupt activities by state officials.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga welcomes the sentence and congratulates Advocate Siqongana, the investigating team of Home Affairs and the SAPS for good work.