NELSPRUIT: Fourteen security officers have appeared in court following a joint investigation by the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation, the Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC), and a private security company. The investigation revealed that 21 security personnel were in possession of fraudulently acquired firearm competency certificates, a requirement under South African law to ensure individuals are appropriately trained to handle firearms safely.

According to South African Police Service, the investigation was initiated to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, thereby ensuring the safety of South African citizens. The priority given to this investigation was due to the potential threat posed by unqualified individuals entrusted with public safety and security.

Concerns arose when the private security company discovered that some employees held unregistered competency certificates. This prompted a thorough investigation, leading to 21 security officers being summoned to court on various dates. The first group of seven appeared on 17 January 2025, followed by another seven on 24 January 2025. Both groups were released with warnings to reappear on 07 February 2025.

The final group of six is scheduled to appear in Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on 31 January 2025, with one suspect having passed away. Additionally, three other suspects identified as masterminds behind the fraudulent activities will face court on a yet-to-be-confirmed date.

Major General Nico Gerber, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, emphasized the dangers posed by fraudulently acquired competency certificates, highlighting the increased risk of accidents and potential damage to the security sector’s reputation. He urged security companies to verify certificates with issuing authorities to prevent such incidents.