POTCHEFSTROOM - The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) and National Intervention Unit for the arrest of four police officials stationed at Coligny and two petrol attendants working at petrol filling stations in the area.

The four members were apprehended on Tuesday, 1 February 2022, in connection with 300 counts of fraud. It is alleged that the members colluded with petrol attendants between January and December 2020, and defrauded South African Police Service (SAPS) by using state owned motor vehicles fuel cards to pay for fuel that was never filled in the said vehicles. They would then claim cash amounts and share it among themselves.

It was later established that some of the claims were processed while the vehicles were at the SAPS garage for repairs. Subsequent to these irregularities, investigations were conducted and led to the arrest of these members, aged between 43 and 56. Furthermore, two petrol attendants, aged 38 and 58, who have been turned into state witnesses, were arrested. The suspects are expected to appear in the Coligny Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 3 February 2022.

Investigation into the matter is underway and more arrests are imminent.

Lieutenant General Kwena, expressed his dismay with the conduct of the four members and said the arrests will serve as an indication to corrupt employees that management will not tolerate their behaviour and that no criminals will be allowed to wear the blue uniform.

Source: South African Police Service