ACCUSED PLEADED GUILTY FOR CORRUPTION
PRETORIA: Kumen Govender ( 42), appeared before the Krugersdorp Magistrates Court on Thursday, 22 May 2025 where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced for corruption.
His conviction originates from an incident that took place during the period of May 2023. It was reported that the complainant purchased a property for meat and vegetables processing in Tarlton in Mogale City Municipality. On 13 May 2023, the complainant communicated with Govender who was the road engineer from Gautrans to come and inspect the site. Govender then demanded a gratification of R80 000 for him to approve. The complainant negotiated to pay an amount of R40 000 and the accused agreed. The complainant then approached Westrand based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team and reported the matter.
On 16 May 2023, a trap operation was conducted by the Hawks culminating in the arrest of Govender in Roodepoort after he was found with R40 000 that he demanded from the complainant. He appeared in court on several occasions until his recent conviction. The court sentenced Govender to a fine of R80 000 or three years direct imprisonment.
