The Vryburg Magistrates’ Court has sentenced former prosecutor Ronny Songwane (50) to eight months’ imprisonment or a R20,000 fine after convicting him of corruption.
Songwane, who was stationed as a prosecutor in Vryburg, was arrested in July 2016 shortly after receiving a bribe from a complainant. The court found that Songwane had demanded gratification from a woman accused of shoplifting in exchange for having her case withdrawn. The accused individual paid an initial R600 on her first court appearance and agreed to pay a further R400 at her next appearance.
The complainant reported the solicitation to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). The unit subsequently conducted an entrapment operation, leading to Songwane’s arrest immediately after he accepted the outstanding R400 payment.
Following his arrest, Songwane was released on bail and made several court appearances over the years. He was ultimately found guilty of corruption in September 2025.
Major General Nombuso Khoza, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the North West, welcomed the sentencing. She commended the investigating members for their work on the case.
The sentence was handed down on Monday, 09 February 2026.