A police official and petrol attendant are expected to appear before the Mthatha Regional court today for allegations of fraud.
This was confirmed by Hawk’s spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana.
He said the duo was arrested by the Bizana-based Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) team of the Hawks yesterday, November 9, for allegations of fraud.
Mhlakuvana said that the police officer is currently employed by the South African Police Services (SAPS), and his co-accused is employed in one of the local fuel stations.
“It is alleged that on June 13, 2023, the officer was driving a state-owned motor vehicle belonging to SAPS, a white Toyota Hilux Double Cab. The reports revealed that the officer went to one of the local garages to fill up the fuel; later, it was discovered that the policeman allegedly colluded with the petrol attendant to fraudulently utilize a SAPS petrol card, pretending as if they were filling up the state vehicle,” said Mhlakuvana.
He added that the duo allegedly successfully orchestrated the fraudulent transaction to R1269.90. Further, allegations revealed they filled up the SAPS vehicle with the cut-down amount of R869.90.
Mhlakuvana said further allegations are that the suspects allegedly shared the difference of an amount of R400.00 amongst themselves.
“During the regular motor vehicle inspection, the discrepancies were picked up.
“Then, the matter was reported to the Hawks’ SCI team for further investigation. It confirmed that, indeed, the transaction went through. As a result, the state suffered a loss of cash in the amount of R400.00. Further investigations concur that both accused allegedly benefited from the said amount equally.”
