A former warrant officer in the Free State, arrested on allegation of fraud, has been released on bail of R5 000 with conditions by the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 July – a day after his arrest. The 48-year-old suspect is set to reappear in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 22 August.
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation detectives pounced on the suspect in Botshabelo, following probing launched in September 2022.
Col Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the identity of the suspect has being withheld for security reasons. He said the suspect was attached to the provincial South African Police Services’ (Saps) Crime Intelligence unit at Parkweg in Bloemfontein.
“The suspect allegedly forged the signatures of his superiors and withdrew over R134 000 from the Secret Services account,” said Mohobeleli. He said an investigation discovered the suspect allegedly forged signatures in 2022.
“This was brought to the attention of Hawks investigators, who wasted no time in collecting evidence and persuading the court to issue a warrant for his arrest. The suspect resigned in January 2023, through dishonourable discharge from service,” said Mohobeleli. He said the former police officer faces charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering.
“It is good that we are identifying rotten elements within our ranks and arresting them. The Secret Services account funds strengthen our efforts to fight crime and make South Africa safer. We will not be derailed from this important mission,” said Maj. Gen. Mokgadi Bokaba, provincial head of the Hawks
