Corrupt traffic warden jailed
Regional magistrate warns that the court will deal severely with corrupt officials.
A PORT Shepstone magistrate has made an example of a former bodyguard to HCM Mayor Cynthia Mqwebu, finding him guilty of extorting money from a motorist who turned whistle-blower.
Vincent (Mfanafuthi) Nkonyeni (36), a traffic warden from Bhobhoyi employed by Hibiscus Coast Protection Services, was sentenced to three years in prison for extorting money from motorist Cedric Khowa.
The court heard last Thursday that Mr Khowa was issued with a summons by Nkonyeni on February 28, 2012, ordering him to pay a fine of R550 for failing to carry his driver’s licence and for having a worn tyre on his vehicle.
Nkonyeni then seized and impounded Mr Khowa’s vehicle in order to extort more money from him.
Mr Khowa however reported the matter to the police and a trap was set for Nkonyeni. He was arrested after Mr Khowa handed over an additional R450.
Acting regional magistrate W Zondo said that, although the amount was not substantial, it was essential – in view of the prevalence of the crimes of extortion and corruption perpetrated on motorists by unscrupulous persons – to impose a ‘deterrent sentence’.
“The motoring public has to be assured that the courts will deal severely with corrupt officials,” she said.
Nkonyeni was also found to be unfit to possess a firearm in future.
Simon April, spokesman for Hibiscus Coast Municipality, said that they had not received a report from their Department of Community Services, but they would issue a statement shortly.
However, he assured that the municipality was against any form of corruption.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
