A South African Police Service captain assigned to the finance section of the Presidential Protection Services has been suspended following allegations of multi-million-rand fraud involving public funds.
The officer, attached to the Protection and Security Services division, is accused of manipulating internal payment systems to divert money intended for official travel expenses.
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the suspect allegedly used his system access to process false travel-related payments under the names of close protection officers assigned to presidential security duties.
Investigators later discovered that the officers listed in the transactions never received the money.
Instead, the funds were allegedly withdrawn in large lump-sum cash payments for personal use.
Internal audit uncovered suspicious transactions
The case emerged after an internal financial review identified discrepancies and irregular cash withdrawals within the Protection and Security Services division.
Following what police described as a lengthy internal investigation, a formal fraud case was opened at Sunnyside police station in Pretoria.
The officer has since been placed on suspension pending both criminal and departmental proceedings.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has assigned the SAPS anti-corruption unit to lead a full investigation into the matter.
He also commended the police’s financial management division for identifying the alleged misconduct.
Public funds and leadership scrutiny
The case has renewed scrutiny over internal controls within SAPS, particularly around expenditure linked to high-level security operations.
Police were quick to clarify that the alleged fraud does not involve close protection officers assigned to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, ministers, or deputy ministers.
Officials said the matter appears confined to the finance administration side of the unit.
SAPS said it remains committed to protecting taxpayer funds and maintaining strict financial governance standards.
The investigation is expected to examine whether there were additional internal control failures or possible oversight lapses that enabled the transactions.
The suspension comes at a time when public confidence in law enforcement institutions remains closely tied to ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
Source: EWN
