The member allegedly abused his access to the financial system to withdraw sums of money, amounting to millions of rand. (Photo: ChatGPT)
A captain of the South African Police Service (SAPD) has been suspended, after an internal investigation exposed major financial irregularities and suspicious transactions worth millions of rand.
According to Brig. Athlenda Mathe, the national police spokesperson, was the member attached to the financial section of the protection and security services (PSS).
“The member allegedly abused his access to the financial system to withdraw sums of money, amounting to millions of rand,” says Mathe.
The investigation showed that the captain manipulated the system by booking cash for himself under the pretext that the money was intended for travel expenses of close protectors of the Presidential Protection Services.
“However, the auditors found that the bodyguards in question never asked for or received this money, but that it was booked out in large cash amounts by the member himself,” adds Mathe.
After an extensive investigation, a criminal case of fraud was registered at the Sunnyside police station, while the internal departmental investigation led to the member’s suspension.
General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, immediately appointed a specialized unit to investigate the matter further.
“The national commissioner praised the Financial Management Department for their vigilance in identifying and rooting out criminality in our ranks. He also instructed the police’s anti-corruption unit to thoroughly investigate the matter,” says Mathe.
The public was further assured that strict control measures had been put in place to ensure that taxpayers’ money was used properly.
“The organization will not tolerate any form of fraud or corruption in its ranks. It is also important to emphasize that no close protectors connected to the president, deputy president, ministers or deputy ministers are implicated in this case,” says Mathe.