KEY POINTS
- Six Khayelitsha detectives have been arrested for fraud and defeating the administration of justice, accused of submitting fraudulent travel allowance claims totaling R16,000.
- The officers allegedly manipulated receipts for accommodation and shared rooms while claiming separate reimbursements during investigations in the Eastern Cape.
- The arrests underscore ongoing concerns about corruption within the SAPS and have prompted calls for stricter oversight and accountability measures.
Six detectives attached to the Khayelitsha detective service have been arrested for fraud and defeating the administration of justice.
The detectives are accused of submitting fraudulent travel allowance claims totaling R16,000 during investigations in the Eastern Cape between January and September 2022.
According to the EWN, the detectives allegedly paid for accommodation and then requested receipts with inflated amounts, while also sharing rooms but claiming separate receipts for reimbursement.
Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the arrests, stating that the Anti-Corruption Unit conducted a thorough investigation before presenting the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). “The DPP decided to charge the members on 26 counts of fraud and one count of defeating the administration of justice,” van Wyk said. The suspects are scheduled to appear at the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Thursday.
A pattern of deception
The fraudulent scheme involved detectives traveling to the Eastern Cape for official investigations. During their trips, the detectives allegedly paid for accommodation but manipulated receipts to claim higher amounts from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In some instances, officers shared rooms but submitted separate receipts to maximize their fraudulent claims. This pattern of deception continued over several months, resulting in significant financial losses for the department.
The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about corruption within law enforcement agencies. The SAPS has faced criticism in recent years for similar cases of fraud and misconduct, undermining public trust in the police service.
The Anti-Corruption Unit’s intervention in this case demonstrates a commitment to rooting out unethical behavior and holding officers accountable.
The incident has sparked calls for stricter oversight and transparency within the SAPS. Civil society organizations and community leaders have urged the government to implement stronger measures to prevent corruption and ensure that public funds are used appropriately. “This case is a reminder that no one is above the law, especially those entrusted with upholding it,” said a spokesperson for a local anti-corruption watchdog.
The six officers’ arrest comes amid broader efforts to address corruption within the SAPS. Earlier this year, four suspects were arrested in Khayelitsha for alleged extortion, further highlighting the need for systemic reforms. The SAPS has pledged to continue its crackdown on internal corruption, with a focus on restoring public confidence in the police service.
