Police officials arrested for fraud and theft

GROBLERSDAL – Five police officials aged between 29 and 40 years-old stationed at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Groblersdal have been arrested for alleged fraud and theft on Monday, 08 February 2021.

According to the Hawks, in February 2020, the complainant who owns one of the filling stations in Groblersdal area allegedly discovered that the cashiers, petrol attendants and police officials have colluded in using fleet petrol cards for their own benefits including refueling their private vehicles.

Captain Matimba Maluleke, Hawks Spokesperson, said it was further alleged that the suspects would wait for motorists who would pay cash and swipe the fleet card in return for money and then share it amongst themselves.

Maluleke said the case was opened at the local police station and it was later transferred to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation for further probe.

“The state has suffered a loss of over R100 000-00 due to these illegal activities. The suspects, who include two Sergeants and three Constables, are expected to make their first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrates Court soon. Meanwhile, the operation to trace other outstanding suspects is still ongoing,” said Maluleke.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Thobeka Jozi has welcomed the arrests and commended the investigation team for its sterling work.

“We will stop at nothing to fight all forms of corruption in the province. We will continue to investigate without fear or favour,” said General Jozi.

Maluleke said more investigations on similar offences around the province were underway and arrests were imminent.