The South African Revenue Service (SARS) applauded the seven-year prison term handed down to one of its workers for corruption by the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.
This originates from an incident in which the defendant, Malatse Kolokoto, aided a traveler in leaving the country with unreported goods.
Contrary to Section 15 and Rule 15 of the Customs Act, CCTV footage captured the official receiving a bribe to aid the traveler in avoiding the declaration process.
A customs agent caught the traveler as he was ready to board an international flight.
He produced six Rolex wristwatches from his rucksack without submitting a disclosure form when he was asked to disclose all of his possessions.
He was arrested, which led to the subsequent arrest of the suspect.
The SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, praised the truthful and brave customs officer for his vigilance and for assisting in the arrest of Kolokoto.
“True to the SARS standards of honesty, integrity, and acting without fear, favor, or prejudice, the SARS Customs Officer refrained from collaborating with criminals or turning a blind eye when one of his fellow officers violated these values.
“SARS is placed in a position of trust to guarantee that the laws we administer are implemented scrupulously and methodically, and anyone who abuses this trust deserves the worst punishment,” he said.