Former Hawks officer sentenced to 11 years for corruption and drug-related charges
In 2011, 56-year-old Esmeralda Bailey was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation where she tried to sell police uniforms and ammunition.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) vehicles. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - A former Hawks officer has been sentenced by the Bellville Serious Commercials Crime Court to 11 years of direct imprisonment for corruption and drug-related charges.
In 2011, 56-year-old Esmeralda Bailey was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation where she tried to sell police uniforms and ammunition.
At the time, she was attached to the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit of the Hawks.
During her arrest, exhibits and case dockets were also found in her apartment.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said Bailey had been on bail since her arrest in 2011 - and was only found guilty in November last year.
"In 2013, she was dismissed departmentally. Her sentence follows numerous court appearances. The provincial head Major General Mathipa Makgato welcomed the sentence and further mentioned that corruption of any form will never be tolerated."