LIMPOPO – The provincial anti-corruption unit has secured the conviction and sentencing of a 43-year-old police constable Eric Nyadzani Ravhura, who was found guilty of fraud after using a fraudulent Gr 12 certificate to secure employment within the police.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brig Hlulani Mashaba, said the court heard that on September 22, 2019 the police advertised posts for the 2020 police trainee intake, requiring applicants to possess a Gr 12 or NQF level four qualification.

Ravhura, who was then serving as a police reservist, applied for the position and submitted a fraudulent certificate.

Based on this misrepresentation, he was accepted, completed training, and was permanently appointed as a constable at Alldays SAPS.

“In June 2021, a verification process conducted by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) revealed that the certificate was not authentic. The fraudulent act caused financial losses to the SAPS due to salary and training costs incurred during his employment,” Mashaba said.

The case was referred to the provincial anti-corruption unit for investigation. Following the completion of the probe, the matter was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who authorised Ravhura’s arrest.

After several court appearances, Ravhura was found guilty on October 27 by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on a count of fraud.

On November 3, he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a R30 000 fine, suspended for five years, on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Acting provincial police commissioner Maj Gen Jan Scheepers welcomed the conviction and sentence, stressing that honesty and integrity remain non-negotiable qualities in the police service.

“The police will continue to root out any form of dishonesty or fraudulent activity among its members to preserve the integrity and trust of the organisation,” Scheepers said.