A teacher at Musina Secondary School and well-known former soccer player and administrator, Shoni Theodore (Theo) Maoka, has been sentenced to an effective seven years' direct imprisonment after being convicted on corruption-related charges.
Maoka appeared in the Morebeng Regional Court on 17 July, where he was sentenced to a combined 22 years' imprisonment on four counts of corruption. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of seven years' direct imprisonment.
Maoka, who at one stage played for Black Leopards, was arrested in 2015 together with 15 other suspects on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice for allegedly issuing false immigration stamps to foreign nationals. He was released on R2,000 bail following his arrest in Musina and remained out on bail while the matter was before the courts.
Maoka pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the trial, the State led evidence from witnesses who testified that, between September and December 2015, he received gratification totalling R45,000 in exchange for facilitating the placement of temporary residence permit stickers and entry stamps in the passports of foreign nationals.
Through his unlawful conduct, Maoka enabled foreign nationals to remain in South Africa illegally.
Following an investigation by the South African Police Service, Maoka was arrested and successfully prosecuted.
In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Norman Makhubele argued that Maoka, a public servant employed by the Department of Education, had abused his position for personal financial gain.
The State further submitted that his actions contributed to the challenge of illegal immigration by facilitating the unlawful entry and continued stay of foreign nationals in the Republic. It argued that a fine would not be an appropriate sentence for corruption-related offences and that direct imprisonment was the only suitable punishment.
The prosecution also submitted that Maoka's claims of ill health should carry little weight, as correctional facilities are equipped to provide inmates with the necessary medical care.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, said corruption threatens the country's economic stability and undermines public confidence in state institutions. Thenga commended the prosecution and investigation teams for their diligent work in securing the conviction and sentence.