Eric Ellias Sibanyoni (47) was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, on condition that he is not found guilty of fraud, corruption, or theft during the suspension period.

Middelburg Observer reports Sibanyoni was a member of the Middelburg Flying Squad and lost his job for taking bribes from motorists on the N4 highway around Wonderfontein. The unethical activities were exposed by a tourist who was victimised in 2019.

Upon receiving information, a team comprising the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, crime intelligence, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation was assembled.

The team conducted observations, leading to Sibanyoni’s arrest four months after the complaint was registered with authorities.

Investigations proved that Sibanyoni intentionally benefited from unethical behaviour contrary to the SAPS’ code of conduct after receiving R100 to look the other way and neglect his duties.

Sibanyoni was dismissed from the SAPS after an internal departmental procedure.

The case was finalised yesterday with Sibanyoni sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The Mpumalanga Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, commended the teamwork displayed by different law enforcement agencies.

“We will not allow criminal elements to infiltrate and shame hard-working, honest members. Such individuals do not qualify to remain as members and tarnish the reputation of the South African Police Service.”

He also expressed his dissatisfaction that only a suspended sentence was handed down. “Our investigators work hard to bring successful cases before the court, and the sentence must send a clear message to would-be corrupters,” he added.

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