SECOND SUSPECT IN THE BETHLEHEM LIQUOR LICENCE CORRUPTION CASE ARRESTED

By; Neo Ntsele

A second suspect in the Bethlehem liquor licence corruption case has been arrested. The 53-year-old male Liquor Board official was arrested in Bethlehem by the Serious Corruption Investigation detectives of the Hawks on Monday 25.

This follows shortly after the arrest of his accomplice, Allinah Mohapi, 30, on Thursday, 21 November 2024.

The suspects are alleged to be involved in issuing fraudulent liquor licences.

On 22 July 2024, the Hawks received information about a 53-year-old Bethlehem Liquor Board official who was facilitating liquor licences at a fee.

Further investigation revealed that Ms Mohapi had used her bank account to receive money meant for the Liquor Board official and later transferred to him.

Based on this evidence, the Bethlehem Magistrates Court authorised warrants for the arrest of both Ms Mohapi and the Liquor Board official.

They made their first court appearance on Monday 25, facing charges of corruption and money laundering.

They remain behind bars pending their application for bail on 2 December 2024.

Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, has welcomed the arrest.

"Anyone who allows money amassed through corrupt means to go in and out of their bank account is actively participating in committing a crime. You shall be arrested for corruption and money laundering," she warned.