POLOKWANE – A 52-year-old detective warrant officer stationed at the Polokwane Crime Intelligence Unit has been formally charged with fraud following allegations of fraudulent petrol claims.

Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the charges stem from a report submitted by the State Security Agency regarding suspicious claims submitted by the officer.

“Upon investigation, it was found that all the petrol slips attached to the claims were photocopies, raising immediate red flags. A case docket was opened, and the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit took over the investigation,” he said.

Ledwaba added that the suspect was served with a summons to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today.

The acting provincial police commissioner Major General Samuel Manala strongly condemned the incident, stating that the SAPS does not tolerate corruption within its ranks.

“This type of misconduct tarnishes the integrity of our service,” said Manala.

“We will take firm action against any officer who engages in fraudulent or unethical behaviour.”