Rustenburg – Four police officers and two petrol attendants arrested in connection with petrol fraud in Coligny in North West were released on R500 bail each on Thursday, North West police said.
Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the six appeared in the Coligny Magistrate's Court and their case was postponed to March 14 for investigation.
They were arrested on Tuesday, 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 vehicle 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," she said.
“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."
She said provincial commissioner of police in North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit and National Intervention Unit for the arrest.
“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.”
IOL