SAPS suspends captain linked to protection services fraud

A South African Police Service (SAPS) captain from the Protection Security Services(PSS) has been suspended for allegedly defrauding the unit of millions of rands.

This, after internal investigators uncovered discrepancies and suspicious transactions in the division.

The SAPS has been on a cleanup campaign following revelations of alleged corruption within its ranks.

In a statement, police said the officer, who worked in the unit’s finance department, allegedly used his system access to withdraw large sums of money.

He is accused of manipulating records to process payments for supposed travel expenses for presidential protection services members.

Further investigations have revealed that the money never reached the protectors.

“Following a lengthy investigation, a case of fraud was registered at the Sunnyside police station, and an internal departmental investigation has led to his suspension,” said national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.

“The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has applauded the Financial Management Division for identifying and uprooting criminality within our ranks and has assigned the SAPS anti-corruption unit to investigate the matter.”

The suspension comes amid a cloud of alleged corruption at SAPS, with Masemola also facing legal challenges linked to claims of wrongdoing.