The two officials, Lerato Ikutlweng (36) and Denis Mali Ntshole (40), were sentenced at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Mahikeng for theft. 

The Hawks provincial spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso, says the two were nabbed by the Hawks after it was reported that they transferred maintenance funds from the Department of Justice into their personal bank accounts. 

Ikutlweng was sentenced to five years wholly suspended for a period of five years; whilst Ntshole was sentenced to two years wholly suspended for five years as well. The order had made provisions that the two must repay the money stolen from the maintenance funds.

"The matter was reported to the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, where a probe into the matter resulted in the two accused being summoned to court. They subsequently pleaded guilty to theft," Rikhotso says.

Ikutlweng is expected to repay approximately R237 000 in R4 000 monthly instalments until the balance is paid in full. The court also ordered the confiscation of her pension interest of approximately R18 000.

"Meanwhile, Ntshole was sentenced to two years wholly suspended for five years on condition that he repay an approximate amount of R38 000 in instalments of R627, until the balance is also paid in full," Rikhotso adds.

 OFM News