South Africa has had its own issues with illegal gambling machines, but it was hoped the government, or at least the police would help fix this problem. The police have been helpful with the location, and the confiscation of the illegal gambling machines, but no one knew. This may have been because two of the policemen were trying to resell their finds.
The two former policemen were caught, and have been jailed. The Wynberg Regional Court sentenced them for a long stretch in prison for the trying to sell illegal gambling machines. It is a much harsher sentence for these men, as they were police.
The men are Sergeant John Thomas, 39, and Constable André John Lekas, 33. Sergeant John Thomas was sentenced to 112 years for fraud, forgery and corruption, however he will serve 15, and Constable André John Lekas, who was given a total of 28 years, will serve seven. Magistrate Jackie Redelinghuys ruled on the case.
In addition Thomas's colleague at Steenberg police station was found guilty of four of 11 charges - fraud, forgery, corruption and defeating the ends of justice. He apparently knew about the incident. South Africa takes this crime a serious offense, especially when it comes to the police. |
