Sergeant in court over alleged evidence fraud

(Archive photo; NGV)

A police sergeant from Gqeberha is in trouble after allegedly falsifying documents to have vehicles that were kept as evidence in serious crime cases illegally removed from police custody.

According to Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, spokesperson for the Hawks, the matter is the result of a thorough investigation which revealed serious irregularities.

“The investigation found that two vehicles, which were kept as evidence in serious crime cases, were removed from police custody by means of unlawful and fraudulent processes.

“The investigating officers involved in the investigation of the crimes also did not approve or sign the necessary documents for the removal of the vehicles,” said Mhlakuvana.

Sergeant Mncedi Albert Gcukumani (53) appeared in the New Law Courts in Gqeberha on Friday on charges related to the alleged illegal removal of vehicles linked to investigations into, among other things, transit robberies and kidnapping cases.

According to court documents, two vehicles used as evidence in separate cases have been held at the Struandale police station while investigations continue.

In one of the incidents, Gcukumani apparently facilitated the removal of a bakkie on 3 June 2024. This vehicle has been kept in custody since June 2019 in connection with a transit robbery in the Kwadwesi policing area.

A second vehicle, which is connected to a kidnapping case in 2024, was also allegedly removed from custody in a similar manner.

The alleged irregular conduct is estimated to have resulted in a potential loss of around R200 000 and actual loss of around R100 000.

Gcukumani appeared in court and was released on bail of R1 000. The case was adjourned until June 1 for transfer to the Gqeberha specialized commercial crime court.