Germiston detective warns residents about festive season fraud
He encouraged residents to remain alert throughout the festive season and to report suspected fraudulent activities to the police.
As the festive season approaches, Germiston SAPS Detective Sergeant Emmanuel Netshiavha has urged residents to remain vigilant against fraud and protect their money when making financial transactions.
Netshiavha, who specialises in commercial crime investigations, recently received the second runner-up award in the Forensic Detective of the Year category at the Ekurhuleni SAPS Service Excellence Awards for 2025/2026.
His warning comes as the SAPS rolls out its 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations, aimed at combating crime and improving public safety during the busy holiday period.
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With many people preparing for holidays, shopping and other festive season activities, Netshiavha encouraged residents to be cautious of offers that appear too good to be true and to verify the legitimacy of individuals and businesses before making payments.
Throughout his career, Netshiavha has investigated several cases involving fraud, cybercrime, forgery and uttering.
One of the cases he worked on involved a suspect who defrauded a satellite television company by promising customers access to television channels at reduced prices.
The suspect was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of R10 000, with the sentence suspended on condition that the offender was not convicted of a similar cybercrime offence again.
Should the condition be breached, the suspect faces a five-year prison sentence.
In another case involving fraud and forgery, a suspect was fined R2 000 and placed under correctional supervision for two years.
Netshiavha’s recognition comes after 16 years of service in SAPS. He joined the police college in 2009 and was placed at Germiston SAPS as a field officer in 2010, where he worked with the detectives’ tracing unit.
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He later moved to the crime office, conducting preliminary investigations at crime scenes before progressing to general investigations, where he dealt with cases including assault and reckless negligence.
His experience in commercial crime investigations has contributed to his recognition within the service. He has also been named first runner-up in the same detective category on two previous occasions.
Netshiavha said the recognition motivates him to continue pursuing justice and contributing to safer communities.
“I am grateful to God and colleagues who support us. When you are recognised, it shows that someone sees your work and that they can see you working,” he said.
He encouraged residents to remain alert throughout the festive season and report suspected fraudulent activities to the police.
