A SAPS captain is facing fraud charges after allegedly manipulating internal financial systems to divert funds meant for official travel expenses. Picture Credit: Magic828
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa — A South African Police Service (SAPS) captain accused of exploiting internal financial systems to siphon off millions of rand is expected to appear in the Pretoria North High Court on Tuesday, as authorities tighten their stance against corruption within the ranks.
The 53-year-old officer, attached to the Protection and Security Service (PSS), was arrested on Monday, April 6, by the SAPS anti-corruption unit. He faces a charge of fraud following an internal investigation into suspicious financial activity.
According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrest follows a probe authorised by the Division: Financial Management Services after irregular transactions were flagged on the Polfin system.
Mathe said National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the arrest, reinforcing SAPS’ zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
“Any member found to be engaging in corrupt activities will face the full might of the law.”
“There will be no exceptions, and no compromise. Accountability is not optional; it is a fundamental pillar of our service”, Masemola added.
The officer had already been suspended after internal investigations uncovered discrepancies within the division on April 1. He is alleged to have manipulated the system to access large sums of money under false pretences.
Mathe said the accused, who worked in the finance section of the PSS, exploited his access to the system to authorise payments intended for official travel.
“An investigation has uncovered that he manipulated the system to book out cash for himself under the disguise that the money was meant for travelling expenses for close protectors attached to the Presidential Protection Services (PPS).”
Further findings revealed that the funds never reached the intended recipients. Instead, the money was allegedly withdrawn in lump sums by the officer for personal use.
“Following a lengthy investigation, a case of fraud was registered at the Sunnyside police station and an internal departmental investigation has led to his suspension.”
Masemola had previously commended the Financial Management Division for identifying and acting on the irregularities, subsequently assigning the SAPS anti-corruption unit to pursue the matter.
“The SAPS takes this opportunity to assure the nation that it has stringent measures in place to ensure taxpayers monies are utilized in service to the nation and that the SAPS will not tolerate fraud and corruption within its rank.”
“No close protector attached to the President, Deputy President, Ministers or Deputy Ministers are implicated in this case.”
The case is expected to draw significant attention as it underscores ongoing efforts within SAPS to root out internal corruption and restore public trust in law enforcement institutions.
