GQEBERHA – A member of the SAPS appeared before the Gqeberha New Law Court on allegations relating to the unlawful disposal of exhibit vehicles linked to serious and violent crimes.
The crimes include cash-in-transit robberies and kidnapping cases.
Sgt. Mncedi Albert Gcukumani (53) was arrested on 29 May by the Serious Corruption Investigation unit based in Gqeberha, working in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). He appeared in court on the same day.
Events behind the charges
A statement released by the Hawks confirmed that the charges arose from incidents involving two vehicles that had been lawfully seized by SAPS as evidentiary exhibits and secured at the Struandale Police pound pending the finalisation of criminal proceedings.
It is alleged that the vehicles were released through the abuse of official processes and the fraudulent execution of disposal documentation without lawful authority.
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According to the investigation, Gcukumani allegedly authorised and facilitated the unlawful release of a bakkie on 3 June 2024. The vehicle had been impounded since June 2019 after being seized in connection with a cash-in-transit robbery investigation under the KwaDwesi policing precinct.
A second vehicle, which had allegedly been seized in connection with a kidnapping case in 2024, was also reportedly released unlawfully.
Referral of the matter
The matter was subsequently referred to the Hawks for investigation.
Evidence gathered by the Hawks indicates that the investigating officers responsible for the respective criminal cases did not complete, authorise, approve or sign the disposal orders allegedly used to facilitate the release of the vehicles.
The alleged offences are estimated to have resulted in potential prejudice of approximately R200 000 and actual prejudice of about R100 000.
The Hawks’ investigation culminated in the arrest of Gcukumani.
Following his court appearance, Gcukumani was granted bail of R1 000.
The case was postponed to 1 June for transfer to the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
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