An intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team yielded positive results when seven South African Police Services detectives, stationed at Rabie Ridge and Benoni police stations, were arrested for fraud estimated at R50 000.
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According to Captain Ndivuwho Mulamu of the Hawks, it is alleged that the suspects submitted fraudulent travel claims to KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga between March 2014 and March 2015. “The State suffered a loss of an estimated R50 000 due to the fraudulent claims processed,” she highlighted.
The suspects, with between 11 and 35 years of service, Warrant Officer Ali Mohlala (55), Sergeant Johanna Msiza (41), Sergeant Boycot Zembe (37), Sergeant Gilbert Mohambi (36), Sergeant Nare Lephalale (37), Sergeant Marcus Malebe (37), and Sergeant Moteku Tlolane (40) appeared briefly in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court to face charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation provincial head, Major General Prince Mokotedi condemned the criminal activities committed by fellow law enforcers, saying it was appalling and could not be ignored. “We are serious about uprooting corruption and all forms of criminality within our ranks, as we are equally determined to strengthen integrity in the service,” he said.
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The eighth suspect fled in his private vehicle after noticing the Hawks’ vehicles approaching Tembisa South Police Station. The Hawks are hot on his heels.
Mulamu said the case against the seven was postponed to 13 March for further investigation. “The suspects were all released on a warning with conditions that they must not interfere with State witnesses,” added Mulamu.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, has welcomed the arrest of the seven.
“I applaud the South African Police Service for arresting these individuals and stopping them in their tracks to loot State coffers. This demonstrates our unwavering zeal to root out fraud and corruption, more especially in [the] pursuit of restoring the integrity of our law enforcement agencies. This will go a long way in sending a strong message to other officials that we don’t tolerate corruption and we would not hesitate to act harshly to anyone who commits such crime,” said Nkosi-Malobane.
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