Method Gqetywa (48), assistant master of the high court in Kimberley, appeared before the specialised commercial crimes court on Friday (10/11), where he was convicted on one count of corruption and sentenced to seven years imprisonment, of which three was suspended. 

He was arrested during a police operation in 2019 when he was found soliciting and accepting a cash bribe of R15 000 to interfere with the administration of a deceased estate.

“Instead of executing his duties as stipulated to be honest, trustworthy, and professional as a public servant, he acted in a manner that was illegal, untrustworthy, and unauthorised, by accepting money,” said Northern Cape National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. “The matter was reported to police and after an entrapment led by police, Gqetywa was arrested and charged with corruption.”

Senokoatsane said that during trial, senior state advocate Wilhelmus Els argued that a clear message should be sent to other officials who might be planning to commit such offenses. Els stressed the importance of the court sentencing the accused to direct imprisonment, since he was trusted with the important job of serving the people, yet he betrayed that trust by accepting a bribe. During sentencing, the magistrate agreed with the State and Gqetywa was found guilty.

The National Prosecuting Authority applauded the prosecution team and law enforcement agencies that ensured the perpetrator was convicted. Senokoatsane said the verdict and sentence will send a clear message to other perpetrators involved in corruption.

OFM News/Christine van Deemter/Dane Beisheim