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An intelligence driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team yielded positive results when seven SAPS Detectives stationed at Rabie Ridge and Benoni police stations for fraud estimated to R50 000.

It is alleged that suspects submitted fraudulent travelling claims trips to KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga respectively between March 2014 and March 2015. The state suffered a loss of an estimated R50 000 due to fraudulent claims processed.

The suspects with between eleven and thirty five years of service, Warrant Officer Ali Mohlala (55), Sergeant Johanna Msiza (41), Sergeant Boycot Zembe (37), Sergeant Gilbert Mohambi (36), Sergeant Nare Lephalale (37), Sergeant Marcus Malebe (37), and Sergeant Moteku Tlolane (40) appeared briefly before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court for fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Prince Mokotedi condemned the criminal activities committed by fellow law enforcers saying it was appalling and could not be ignored. “We are serious about uprooting corruption and all forms of criminality within our ranks as we are equally determined to strengthen integrity in the service,” he said.

The eighth suspect fled on his private vehicle after noticing the Hawks’ vehicles approaching Tembisa South police station and the Hawks are hot on his heels. The case against the seven was postponed to 13 March 2017 for further investigation. Suspects were all released on a warning with conditions that they must not interfere with state witnesses.

Issued by South African Police Service