Unusual sentence for fake radiographer
Asisipho Mbekela (27) – who faked her radiography qualification in order to gain employment – has been sentenced to 2 000 hours’ periodical imprisonment, says a report in The Herald.
Gqeberha Commercial Crimes Court Magistrate Lionel Lindoor found Mbekela guilty on three charges of fraud and two of forgery for crimes committed in August 2022.
He said the offences she committed by falsifying her radiography qualification were severe enough for her to be handed the unusual sentence.
Finding Mbekela had not taken the court into her confidence by testifying during her trial as to why she had done it, Lindoor said her actions had been tantamount to a systematic scheme which took a great deal of planning.
‘She told a myriad of lies and employed grand deception to fool many people, including her own family,’ he said. ‘She had ample opportunities to desist, but continued.’
Despite overwhelming evidence against her and after being convicted, Mbekela had continued to maintain innocence and had taken no responsibility or shown any remorse.
The court found that she had intentionally misrepresented her qualifications when she applied for a radiography position with the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
Lindoor said he had considered various forms of sentencing, including a fine, a wholly suspended sentence, direct and periodical imprisonment and correctional supervision.
According to The Herald, he said considering the seriousness of the crimes, a suspended sentence would not be appropriate and correctional supervision would not protect the interests of the community.
‘I am satisfied (Mbekela) is one of those people who should be removed from society,’ Lindoor said.
Considering the contents of a social worker’s report submitted to court, Lindoor found that in the interests of Mbekela’s toddler son it would be more appropriate for Mbekela to serve a periodical sentence.
He sentenced her to 2 000 hours, which she must spend at the East London Correctional Facility.
Lindoor said she would serve about 36 hours each weekend.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
