Mbombela (Formerly Nelspruit) – Fraud-accused 64-year-old drivers licensing examiner, Christoffel Fick, has escaped imprisonment by a whisker – he was slapped with a wholly suspended 18-month prison term.
Fick, who was convicted of fraud and contravention of Section 4 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, was sentenced on Wednesday by the Emalahleni Regional Court, in Mpumalanga.
Fick was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that the accused was not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension.
In addition, the accused was sentenced to a period of three years of correctional supervision.
Narrating events leading to Fick’s arrest, conviction, and sentence, Mpumalanga Hawks Spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the crime busters received a tip-off about an official who was soliciting bribes from applicants for driver’s licence tests.
“The investigation was carried forward and an undercover operation was authorised and executed,” Captain Sekgotodi.
“It was discovered that the applicant was never tested but issued a licence to drive the vehicle.
“The examiner was confronted after issuing the driver’s license to the applicant and the accused was arrested.
“A case docket was registered for further investigation. He appeared in court on several occasions whilst on bail.”
Earlier this week Fick nearly went to prison when he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, however, the court suspended the whole sentence on condition.
Mpumalanga Hawks Head, Major General Gerber, said he welcomed the sentence imposed on a former driver licensing examiner.
He issued a stern warning to law enforcement officials to perform their duties with integrity and honesty.
“No one is above the law,” said Major Gerber.
“As the Hawks, we shall investigate all priority crimes and bring perpetrators thereof to justice, without fear or favour.’’
