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Botswana Policeman Faces Corruption Charges Over R1 Million Cigarette Scandal

Published November 29, 2024
2 months ago

In a striking example of cross-border criminal activity and corruption, Mompoloki Okocha Boitshoko, a 42-year-old Botswana police officer, was arraigned before the Mmabatho Magistrates Court in North West, South Africa, on charges of corruption. The court appearance on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, follows his arrest by the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, which specializes in tackling serious corruption and organized crime.





The case against Boitshoko centers on an incident involving a truck intercepted at the Skilpadshek border post, which separates South Africa and Botswana. According to the South African Revenue Service's (SARS) Syndicated Tax & Customs Crime Division, they had been tipped off about a vehicle transporting illicit cigarettes from Namibia. On arrival at the border post, the vehicle’s driver initially claimed there were no goods to declare. However, a thorough search revealed 288 master cases of Remington Gold blue cigarettes, estimated to be worth over R1 million, hidden inside the trailer.


The sting operation that led to Boitshoko’s capture unfolded shortly after the truck's seizure. A SARS official was reportedly approached with a bribe offer of R100,000 to facilitate the release of the impounded truck. An entrapment operation was set up, and Boitshoko was arrested in the act of paying R104,400 to the official.


His court appearance signifies a tangible step in the fight against corruption and organized crime within the region. Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the acting North West Hawks Head, praised the successful collaborative effort between the DPCI (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) and SARS, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling such cross-border crimes.


Boitshoko's case was postponed to 3rd December 2024, when he is expected to apply for bail. Meanwhile, the legal proceedings continue to underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing corruption and smuggling activities that pervade national borders.


The implications of this case are significant, emphasizing the persistent issue of corruption within regional law enforcement agencies and the importance of vigilant and coordinated efforts by authorities to uphold the law and combat criminal enterprises effectively.


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