Rulani Mokwena Sentenced in Algeria Over Currency Violation
The legal proceedings involving former MC Algiers head coach Rulani Mokwena have concluded with a ruling following his arrest at Houari Boumediene Airport.
In a verdict delivered today, the Dar El Beida Court found the 39-year-old South African tactician guilty of violating national financial regulations. Specifically, the court ruled that Mokwena attempted to transport undeclared foreign currency out of the country, leading to a strict set of penalties that have now been finalized.
The Judicial Ruling
The court’s decision was absolute, merging a criminal record with substantial financial forfeitures. Mokwena has been handed a two-month suspended prison sentence, meaning he will not serve time in incarceration provided he adheres to the court’s conditions. However, the financial impact of the ruling is severe; the court ordered the immediate confiscation of €14,200 (approximately R285,000) found in his possession during the airport search. Furthermore, a direct fine of 50,000 Algerian dinars (approximately R7,000) was imposed as part of the legal sanction for the failure to declare the funds to customs officials.
Confirmation from the South African Embassy
The South African Embassy in Algeria has been actively managing the diplomatic side of the crisis. In an official statement, the mission confirmed they were notified of the arrest on Sunday and immediately stepped in to ensure the coach’s rights were protected.
“The mission is in touch with Mr. Mokwena and is providing consular assistance to him,” the embassy confirmed, verifying that they have remained in constant contact with the coach throughout his detention and subsequent court appearance.”
Reports from local insiders suggest that Mokwena may have been unaware of the stringent limits on foreign currency exports, a common pitfall for foreign nationals navigating Algerian customs.
En Route to Libya
With the legal matter now categorized as case closed by Algerian authorities, Mokwena has been permitted to leave the country. Leading African football journalist Nazim Bessol confirmed that the coach is currently at the airport and is on his way to Libya, traveling via a connecting flight in Turkey.
This transition marks the end of a successful yet tumultuous eight-month stint in Algeria, where he led MC Algiers to a Super Cup title and left them at the top of the league table. Mokwena is now set to be officially unveiled as the new head coach of Libyan giants Al Ittihad FC, where he will look to put this legal hurdle behind him and begin a new chapter in Tripoli.
