NPA hails landmark conviction against ex-crime intel officer

FORMER police officer Paul Scheepers has become the first to be convicted for being in possession of a cell phone grabber/locator without ministerial exemption and use of multiple accounts to conceal R5.59million in proceeds of unlawful activities.

Scheepers was also found guilty of fraud for failure to disclose police employment while providing surveillance services to Nutri Pharma Solutions, Intaka Tech, and others, infringing attorney-client privilege, and acting as a private investigator/security provider without registration under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape Eric Ntabazalila.

Since 2003, Scheepers conducted work for his own business, Eagle Eye Solutions, as a Private Investigator, without being registered with PSIRA and without authorisation from the South African Police Services (SAPS) to conduct private work whilst employed as a police official and later a captain in the intelligence section of the Police.

When Scheepers eventually applied to conduct private work while employed as a Crime Intelligence Officer, Ntabazalila said he stated that the type of business that he conducts is ‘audio restoration, cellphone forensics, building of tracking units and service and sales of software in respect of cellphones.

“The applications for private work were not approved due to a conflict of interest.”

The State charged Scheepers with 26 counts and alternatives to Counts 1 to 20 and Count 26. The charges included the contravention of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSIRA), Act Nr. 56/2001 and having a grabber.

Ntabazalila said this case, which Senior State Advocate Thersia du Toit successfully prosecuted, is notable for producing South Africa’s first convictions under PSIRA and RICA for these offences.

He also confirmed that the state will ask for direct imprisonment during sentencing proceedings.

Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Nicolette Bell, applauded the investigation and prosecution teams for securing the convictions in what the NPA described as a complicated case, which underscores the importance of integrity and compliance within law enforcement.

“The misuse of police authority, unauthorised private security operations, and unlawful possession of surveillance technology pose serious risks to public trust and national security. These convictions reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability among officials entrusted with sensitive intelligence responsibilities.”

Cape Times