Corrupt woman cop sent to prison

A PORT Elizabeth court ensured yesterday that the minor children of a corrupt police officer would be taken care of when it sentenced her to direct imprisonment.

Constable Lusanda Mpongoma will spend five years in jail after she accepted R1600 to withdraw a case of theft.

Her application for leave to appeal against both her conviction and sentence was also immediately dismissed by the Port Elizabeth Regional Court.

Magistrate Vijay Reddy said that, when deciding on a suitable sentence, she had paid particular attention to Mpongoma's personal circumstances and the fact that she has two minor children

Mpongoma, 35, of Kabega Park, was convicted of fraud and corruption in April.

A probation officer had earlier testified that Mpongoma showed no remorse and continued to maintain her innocence. Reddy agreed that the possibility of rehabilitation was therefore minimal. - Kathryn Kimberley