Fraud convicted SAPS officer remains on duty

A LENTEGEUR police officer convicted of multiple counts of fraud and accused of being involved in the sale of police dockets remains on active duty. 

He was also found guilty in two internal disciplinary processes.

In a parliamentary response to questions by DA NCOP Member on Security and Justice, Nicholas Gotsell, the police ministry confirmed the charges included corruption, fraud and misconduct that had damaged the image of the public service. 

“The member was found guilty on all charges of misconduct and sanctioned with a suspension, without salary, for two months. As outlined in the South African Police Service (SAPS Disciplinary Regulations (2016), it was necessary to inform the member of the imposed sanction, which is a two-month suspension without salary. The member was verbally informed by the presiding officer; however, due to an administrative oversight, the written notice of the sanction was not properly served. The sanction of a two-month suspension without salary was imposed on the member a year later.”

On the details of the fraud of police dockets charge, the police ministry further confirmed that there had been a criminal investigation. 

“An investigation into four counts of fraud resulted in the court handing down a suspended sentence. The accused was found guilty and sentenced on all four counts of fraud. The investigation found no evidence that the accused sold police dockets.” 

Gotsell said the latest guilty finding by a SAPS internal disciplinary process, imposed (a sanction of) dismissal, which "now sits on provincial police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile’s desk and he is dragging his feet, yet to act”. 

However, in response to questions on why the officer had not been dismissed, Western Cape police spokesperson Andrè Traut said the disciplinary process was nearing finalisation. 

“Out of respect for due process, this office is not in a position to speculate on the outcome. It is for this reason that your questions remain unanswered,” said Traut. 

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) in the Western Cape called on the DA to respect the internal disciplinary processes of the SAPS.

“Discipline in the SAPS is regulated by Law which respects the rights of every individual not to be treated arbitrarily but afforded a fair disciplinary hearing. The said matter is still being heard in a formal disciplinary process, which may arrive at any decision depending on the test of evidence. For this purpose we want to discourage interference as it may result in gross unfair labour practice,” said Popcru provincial secretary Mluleki Mbhele.

Cape Times