Retired police officer sentenced to 8 years for accepting R5,000 bribe

A former police officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison for accepting a R5,000 bribe to influence an investigation.

Gregory Edmund Beck, 68, a retired South African Police Services (SAPS) officer, was sentenced by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge on Monday.

The case dates back to December 2014, when a complaint was made about Beck mishandling a case in Vereeniging.

According to Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Beck, while still an active officer, demanded R5,000 from a complainant to ensure the proper handling of the investigation.

The complainant reported the demand to the SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit, which then set up an operation to catch Beck in the act.

On March 4, 2015, the complainant, with the help of police, met Beck at a restaurant and handed over the bribe money.

Beck was arrested immediately, and the money was recovered.

In court, Beck denied the charges, but Senior State Advocate Terrence Zitha presented strong evidence linking him to the crime.

Advocate Zitha pushed for a tough sentence, arguing that it would serve as a deterrent to others.

The court recognised Beck’s previously good service with SAPS but stressed that his criminal actions were driven by greed.

The judge concluded that Beck’s betrayal of the trust placed in him as a public servant warranted a harsh punishment.

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