Man sentenced for plot to steal dialysis supplies in Trichardt
A 38-year-old man pleaded guilty and was sentenced after the Hawks set up a controlled operation to stop the theft of dialysis supplies from a Trichardt facility.
A Mpumalanga man has pleaded guilty to corruption, conspiracy and theft after the Hawks foiled a plan to take dialysis supplies from a medical facility in Trichardt, The Citizen reported. Thabiso Steven Mokwana, 38, was sentenced in the Evander Regional Court. The equipment was valued at almost R47 000.
How the plot unfolded
The case goes back to 22 May 2024. On that day, the manager of a dialysis facility contacted the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Secunda. He told them that Mokwana had allegedly offered him R5 000 if he would help take supplies used in dialysis treatment from the premises.
The manager chose to report the approach rather than accept it. According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, a special investigation was then approved, which led to a controlled operation.
The exchange went ahead while investigators watched. Mokwana was arrested as soon as the equipment had been placed in a Volkswagen Polo.
What the court decided
Mokwana admitted guilt on all the charges. The court handed down the following sentences:
- Corruption: a R6 000 fine, or two years in prison if it is not paid.
- Conspiracy and inducing another person to commit a crime: 18 months, entirely suspended for five years.
- Theft: two years, entirely suspended for five years.
The Hawks in Mpumalanga welcomed the outcome. Provincial head Major General Nico Gerber thanked everyone who worked together on the case. He described corruption as an “insidious scourge” that damages public trust, and said the Hawks would keep pursuing schemes that put essential services at risk.
Why it matters to ordinary South Africans
Dialysis keeps people with kidney failure alive, and clinics depend on a steady supply of the materials used in treatment. The Hawks said the case was about protecting resources meant to preserve and improve lives.
It also shows what can happen when someone speaks up. The investigation only began because the facility manager reported a corrupt offer instead of going along with it. Anyone who is approached to take part in corruption or theft can report it to the Hawks.
This story is based on reporting by The Citizen.
