A former police officer of Muila Village was yesterday sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for the use of a marked state vehicle to escort smugglers transporting illicit cigarettes through his policing area.

Appearing before the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court yesterday, Godfrey Avhasei Matheledza (41) was convicted and sentenced for two counts of corruption.

The second accused in the matter, Fulufhelo Mathada, died before the trial commenced. In return, Matheledza and his colleague would receive gratification of R1 830.00 from the smugglers.

The sentences for Matheledza will run concurrently to see him effectively serve eight years in prison.

The court heard that in July 2014, at Morebeng, the accused used a marked state vehicle to escort individuals transporting illicit cigarettes through their policing area.

This allowed the offenders to evade arrest and avoid law enforcement in terms of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964. An undercover police investigation subsequently led to the arrest of the officers.

During sentencing, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Malope Maponya argued that the accused failed to uphold Section 205(3) of the Constitution, which outlines the objectives of the police service, including the prevention, combating, and investigation of crime.

The State further argued that corruption undermines constitutional rights, endangers the stability and security of society, weakens democratic institutions, erodes ethical values, and jeopardises sustainable development, the rule of law, and government credibility.

Limpopo Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga welcomed the sentence, stating that it is adequate to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. She also commended the prosecution team for securing the conviction.