The Public Service Commission (PSC) has lauded the integrity and courage exhibited by law enforcement personnel from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) for rejecting bribes of R200,000 and R50,000, respectively. These commendations come in light of a recent case involving the smuggling of R6 million worth of illicit cigarettes into South Africa.
According to a report by IOL, the Musina Regional Court in Limpopo sentenced Nthapeleng Adler Munyai and Tsumbedzo Priscilla Nemangani Mashito to an effective 15 years of direct imprisonment for fraud, forgery, and corruption charges.

Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) in Limpopo, detailed the events leading to the arrests. The duo facilitated the entry of an interlink truck loaded with semi-manufactured tobacco from Zimbabwe into South Africa using forged clearance documents. However, their scheme was thwarted when an RTMC officer at the Musina weighbridge detected irregularities with the truck’s registration.
Despite facing arrest, Munyai attempted to bribe both the RTMC officer and a customs official with sums of R50,000 and R200,000, respectively, in exchange for turning a blind eye to the illicit cargo.
In response to the court’s verdict, the PSC hailed the upright officials for their honesty and bravery, emphasizing the importance of serving with integrity and ethical conduct in the public service. PSC spokesperson Humphrey Ramafoko underscored the significance of such actions in upholding constitutional values and building a professional and accountable public service.
Meanwhile, Advocate Ivy Thenga, the director of public prosecutions in Limpopo, welcomed the sentencing of Munyai and Mashito, expressing hope that it would deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities. Thenga commended the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the RTMC, SARS, the Hawks, and the NPA, in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
She also extended appreciation to government officials who resisted temptation and remained steadfast in their commitment to upholding the law and serving the public with integrity.