The South African Police Service has suspended a captain from its elite division following allegations of a multi-million-rand fraud scheme involving internal financial systems.
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The South African Police Service has suspended a captain from its elite division following allegations of a multi-million-rand fraud scheme involving internal financial systems.
National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the officer, who worked within the finance section of the PSS, is accused of exploiting his access to SAPS financial systems to siphon off millions of rand over an extended period, IOL reported.
Mathe said according to preliminary findings, the captain allegedly manipulated internal processes to withdraw funds under the pretext that they were intended for travel expenses for close protection officers assigned to the Presidential Protection Services (PPS).
However, investigators found that the funds never reached the intended recipients. Instead, the money was reportedly withdrawn in large lump sums.
The alleged misconduct came to light following an internal audit that flagged discrepancies and suspicious financial transactions within the division.
"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," said Mathe.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has applauded the Financial Management Division for identifying and uprooting criminality within our ranks and has assigned the SAPS anti-corruption unit to investigate 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," he said.
Masemola reassured the public that no members of the Presidential Protection Services—including those assigned to the President, Deputy President, Ministers, or Deputy Ministers—have been implicated in the alleged fraud.