After years of battling drug addiction and enduring a string of unusual court delays, disgraced traffic official Rory Petrus has been sentenced to house arrest and rehabilitation instead of jail time.
Petrus, 38, was visibly emotional as he left the dock in the Gqeberha High Court, quietly sobbing as he embraced his mother and family members who had come to support him.
Despite being convicted months ago on fraud, forgery, and corruption charges, Petrus avoided prison. On sentencing day, Judge Mzamo Nobatana handed him a five-year house arrest sentence, along with mandatory participation in rehabilitation programs.
Looking shocked but relieved, Petrus shook hands with his lawyer, Xolile Bodlo, before leaving the courtroom. When asked for comment, he said nothing, only shaking his head as he joined his tearful family in the public gallery.
