A Botswana national, Mompoloki Okocha Boitshoko, has learned the hard way that bribery doesn’t always pay off, especially when it involves the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Boitshoko was arrested after attempting to bribe a SARS official in an effort to secure the release of a truck carrying illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million. The truck, which had crossed the border from Botswana, was flagged by the Syndicated Tax and Customs Crime Division after the driver claimed to have nothing to declare. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 288 master cases containing Remington Gold blue cigarettes, leading to the driver’s arrest and the seizure of the contraband.
The drama didn’t end there, as Boitshoko allegedly contacted a SARS official, offering R100,000 for the release of the truck. However, instead of succumbing to the bribe, the SARS officer coordinated an entrapment operation, resulting in Boitshoko handing over R104,400 in exchange for the truck’s freedom. This was a clear attempt to circumvent the law, but Boitshoko’s plan backfired. He was promptly arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and has since appeared in court. His case has been postponed to December 3 for a formal bail application.
Boitshoko’s attempt to bribe a SARS official quickly caught the attention of social media users, who reacted with a mix of surprise and praise. Many were shocked that the SARS official had refused the bribe, with some users expressing admiration for the officer’s integrity. One commenter, Sinhlatii Munhu, applauded the officer for standing firm, saying, “So comforting to hear that we still have one uncorrupted official in our midst. His colleagues can learn from that.” Other social media users were more skeptical, with some questioning Boitshoko’s background due to the name “Okocha”—a name that some believed to be more commonly associated with Nigerians than Botswana nationals.
As the arrest continues to make headlines, the case has sparked wider discussions about corruption and illicit activities at border posts. The involvement of a Botswana national in an attempt to smuggle illicit goods into South Africa raised eyebrows, especially as users on social media speculated whether Boitshoko was using a stolen identity. “Okocha? He’s a Nigerian with a Botswana ID?” remarked one user, pointing to the complexity of cross-border fraud and identity theft. These allegations added a layer of intrigue to an already complex case.
The incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal trade and corruption in Southern Africa, where authorities continue to clamp down on smuggling rings operating across borders. The arrest of Boitshoko serves as a warning to others attempting to manipulate the system, while also highlighting the vigilance and integrity of the SARS official involved. As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the legal proceedings will play out, especially given the high profile of the illicit goods involved and the international nature of the crime.
