Former Eastern Cape police officer sentenced to 3 years for corruption in RAF bribery case

The Komani Serious Corruption Investigation unit of the Hawks, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has secured three years of direct imprisonment in a corruption case against an ex-policeman.

Luyanda Xinishe (47) was sentenced to three years of direct imprisonment without the option of a fine by the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on March 19, 2025.  

The case dates back to 2018, when a serious motor vehicle accident left the complainant’s brother severely injured. Xinishe, who was a police officer at the time, responded to the scene but failed to complete the necessary accident report—an essential document for the complainant to file a claim with the Road Accident Fund (RAF). 

Xinishe later contacted the complainant, demanding a J88 medical form along with a R1,000 bribe in exchange for completing the report. The complainant immediately reported the matter to the Hawks.  

An undercover operation was carried out on August 22, 2022, leading to Xinishe’s arrest while in the act of accepting the bribe.  

Following multiple court appearances, the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court handed down a three-year direct imprisonment sentence on March 19, 2025 with no option for a fine.

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