Phalaborwa SAPS officers get suspended sentences
Phalaborwa SAPS officers get suspended sentences after failing to account for thousands from seized copper sales.
PHALABORWA – Two former South African Police Service (SAPS) members from Phalaborwa have received suspended prison sentences after pleading guilty to theft involving seized copper exhibits.
Warrant officer Chankie Nkuna (51) and sergeant Nurse Tsakani Khosa (44) were sentenced in the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court on March 24, 2026.
How the theft unfolded
The court heard that on February 1 of 2024, the pair sold confiscated copper at a local metal dealer for R20 732.60.
However, only R3 162.60 was deposited into the SAPS finance account.
Less than two weeks later, on February 9 2024, Khosa made another unauthorised sale of copper, receiving R9 125.80.
This amount was also not deposited.
In total, R24 482.99 was not accounted for.
Court outcome and SAPS response
The case was investigated by the SAPS Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit before the Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges.
The two accused made several court appearances before entering into a plea and sentence agreement.
Nkuna was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for five years, while Khosa received a three-year prison sentence, also suspended for five years.
Both were also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
Limpopo provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, said the outcome sends a strong message.
“As the police, we will not tolerate any form of corruption and will continue to work very hard to root out corruption within our ranks as action will be taken against those who bring the SAPS into disrepute,” she said.
