FORMER HOME AFFAIRS OFFICIAL TO SPEND 4 YEARS IN JAIL AFTER SUCCESSFUL APPEAL BY THE STATE
LIMPOPO – Kedibone Serumula (38) is already serving her new sentences of four (4) years imprisonment after her previous sentences were successfully appealed by the state.
On 12 October 2022, the accused was previously found guilty and sentenced on two (2) counts of corruption and one (1) count of contravening the Immigration Act by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
Between 2015 and 2016, Serumula who was employed by the Department of Home Affairs in Lephalale as an Admnistration Officer sold identity documents and birth certificates to foreign nationals who were in the country illegally. The documents were sold between R2000 and R2500.
The corrupt activities were reported to Home Affairs investigators and subsequently a case of corruption was opened. The Polokwane based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation members were entrusted with the investigation of the case and it resulted in her arrest in 2020.
After a few court appearances, the accused was released on bail until she was found guilty and previously sentenced as follows:
- Count 1: Corruption- Sentenced to six (6) years imprisonment which was wholly suspended for five (5) years.
- Count 2: Contravention of the Immigration Act- sentenced to eight years imprisonment which was wholly suspended for five years.
- Count 3: Corruption- sentenced to six (6) years imprisonment which was also wholly suspended for five (5) years.
The National Prosecuting Authority together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation were not satisfied with the sentences and an appeal was filed.
After reviewing the matter, the Polokwane High Court came to a new conclusion and the accused was resentenced as follows: On count 1 which is corruption, the accused was sentenced to four (4) years imprisonment, which is suspended for two (2) years.
On count 3 which is also corruption, the accused was sentenced to four (4) years imprisonment which is suspended for two (2) years.
The sentences were ordered to run concurrently therefore the accused will serve an effective of two (2) years in prison.
On count 2 which is contravening the Immigration Act, nothing was changed.
The accused started serving her sentences on Thursday, 8 February 2024 after she was successfully traced and arrested.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province, Major General Gopz Govender has hailed both the prosecution and investigation teams for the sterling work. He further said the successful appeal serves as a testament to the remarkable quality of justice system in the country.
