KEY POINTS
- A fleet manager misused a state fuel card while the vehicle was in repairs.
- The fraud totaled R7,379 ($403), leading to a 12-month sentence, partly suspended.
- Authorities encourage public vigilance against fraud and corruption.
A KwaZulu-Natal fleet manager, Vusimuzi Mtshali, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after being found guilty of fraudulently using a state fuel card while the vehicle was in for repairs.
The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court ruled that Mtshali misused the fuel card to purchase fuel at Umfolozi Garage, even though the vehicle was not in service at the time.
According to IOL, the fraud was discovered in 2017 when the station commander noticed irregular fuel transactions.
Upon investigation, authorities confirmed that the vehicle was still at the garage when the unauthorized fuel purchase was made.
Investigation uncovers R7,379 in fuel fraud
Following the discovery, the Nondweni Police Station opened a fraud case, which was later handed over to the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Durban.
Investigators found that the total amount of fuel fraudulently purchased amounted to R7,379 ($403).
The case proceeded through multiple court appearances before Mtshali was convicted on March 3.
The court offered him the option to pay a R6,000 ($327) fine instead of serving his full sentence.
However, half of the prison term was suspended for five years, meaning he will avoid further jail time if he does not commit another offense within that period.
Authorities commend investigation and urge public vigilance
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane emphasized the need for accountability in public service. He stated that fraudulent activities undermine government resources.
“The misuse of state assets and resources cannot be tolerated,” Ncane said. “This conviction sends a clear message that corruption and fraud will be dealt with firmly.”
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Provincial Head Major General Lesetja Senona commended the cooperation between the Hawks and local police in ensuring that justice was served.
He also encouraged the public to report any suspicious financial activities within government institutions.
Authorities continue to stress that fraudulent use of government resources weakens public trust and places unnecessary financial burdens on taxpayers.
