The integrity of a prosecutor in Cape Town, Western Cape, became the turning point in a courtroom drama that exposed an attempted bribe and ended with a suspended prison sentence for corrupt lawyer, Phuti Given Mothemane.
The Bellville Commercial Crimes Court sentenced Mothemane to nine years in prison for attempting to bribe Senior State Advocate Ezmeralda Johnson.
The court wholly suspended five years of his sentence on condition that he does not commit any corruption-related offence.
However, he will serve three years of correctional supervision, which includes house arrest, 16 hours of monthly community service, and mandatory rehabilitation programmes.
BRAVE PROSECUTOR STANDS FIRM AGAINST BRIBERY
On 23 September 2022, Mothemane approached Advocate Johnson, claiming that his client was desperate to have movement restrictions lifted in a pending fraud and corruption case. On behalf of his client, he then offered her R50 000 to “make the case go away.”
Instead of staying silent, Johnson stood her ground. She told Mothemane to inform his client that such an offer was unacceptable and later sent a message reaffirming her shock and commitment to integrity.
After reflecting on the gravity of the encounter, she reported the incident, ensuring that justice took its course.
COURT SENTENCES CORRUPT LAWYER
During the trial, prosecutors proved that Mothemane intentionally tried to influence the outcome of a fraud and corruption case.
His client is allegedly involved in a fraud and corruption case involving the Beaufort West Municipality.
The client, a business owner, faced charges alongside municipal officials accused of manipulating contracts for personal gain.
NPA APPLAUDS PROSECUTOR’S INTEGRITY AND COURAGE
In a recent statement, the Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicollette Bell, praised Johnson for her bravery and for taking a stand against corruption, even when it involved a fellow court official.
“We applaud her for not looking the other way when it’s an officer of the court,” Bell said. “Her passion for the rule of law shows why South Africa’s justice system remains resilient,” she further added.
Bell further said that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will continue to pursue corruption cases vigorously to deter unethical behaviour and restore public confidence in the legal system.
