Six police officers arrested for fraud and defeating justice over false financial claims.
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Six police officers from the Khayelitsha Detective Service have been arrested for 26 counts of fraud and defeating the administration of justice after allegedly submitting false financial claims and tampering with legal procedures.
The arrests were carried out by the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit on Wednesday, March 5.
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said that five of the suspects, aged between 31 and 41, were arrested at Khayelitsha SAPS when they reported for duty. The sixth suspect was later arrested at his residence.
Their arrests stem from an investigation into fraudulent subsistence and travel claims linked to a work trip to the Eastern Cape between January 18, 2022, and September 25, 2022.
Investigators discovered that the sergeants and constables fraudulently claimed a total of R16,065 in travel allowances by manipulating receipts.
"Allegations reveal that they would pay for accommodation and then request a receipt with a higher amount as paid. Members would also share a room but then request two separate receipts," said Van Wyk.
One of the suspects is also facing an additional charge of defeating the administration of justice in another case, after allegedly failing to arrange travel and accommodation for a witness in a pending murder case.
Following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit, the case was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who authorised the 26 fraud charges and one charge of defeating justice.
The Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court issued warrants of arrest on March 4, which were executed the following day.
The arrested officers remain in custody and are set to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court on Thursday, March 6.
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