Crackdown on Corruption: Second Arrest in Bethlehem Liquor Licence Scandal

In an ongoing response to rampant corruption within governmental departments, the Bethlehem community in the Free State witnessed a significant development as a second suspect linked to the illicit sale of liquor licenses was apprehended on Monday, 25 November 2024. This latest arrest has cast a spotlight once again on the vulnerabilities and corrupt practices within regional regulatory bodies.

The suspect, a 53-year-old male employed by the Bethlehem Liquor Board, was captured by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation unit. His arrest followed just days after his accomplice, Ms. Allinah Mohapi, aged 30, was also taken into custody. The individuals are accused of crafting a lucrative, albeit illicit, network focused on the unauthorized distribution of liquor licenses.

In July earlier that year, the Hawks were tipped off about the male suspect's activities within the Liquor Board, where he allegedly facilitated the issuance of liquor licenses in exchange for personal gains. Investigations further unraveled that Ms. Mohapi played a crucial role in the operation, managing the financial transactions through her accounts to assist the Liquor Board official in laundering the earnings from these illegal transactions.

Both suspects were brought before the Bethlehem Magistrates Court after the obtained warrants led to their arrests. Facing severe charges of corruption and money laundering, they attended their first court session on the day of the second suspect’s arrest. The court ordered their detention pending a bail hearing scheduled for 2 December 2024, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary is addressing corruption-related offenses.

With the local authorities and major justice departments zeroing in on corruption, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, the head of the Free State Hawks, emphasized the determination of law enforcement agencies to combat graft vigorously. General Bokaba sternly warned that any involvement in financial maneuvers supporting illicit activities would not be tolerated, highlighting the proactive measures being deployed to maintain integrity within public services.

This case is exemplary of the broader efforts under the South African government's mandate to uphold law and order and ensure accountability at all levels of governance. As the community of Bethlehem, and indeed the broader Free State region, watch the unfolding events, this situation serves as a critical reminder of the complexities in eradicating corruption and the steadfast approach required to achieve it.