The South African Police Service (SAPS) has suspended a captain attached to the Protection and Security Services (PSS) following an internal investigation that uncovered discrepancies and suspicious transactions within the division.
The officer, who works in the finance section of the PSS, allegedly used his access to the SAPS finance system to withdraw millions of rand. Investigations revealed that he manipulated the system by booking out cash for himself, disguising the withdrawals as travelling expenses for close protectors attached to the Presidential Protection Services (PPS).
Further probes found that the money was not received by the intended close protectors but was instead withdrawn in lump-sum cash amounts by the captain himself.
According to police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe, a case of fraud was registered at the Sunnyside Police Station in Pretoria after a lengthy investigation. An internal departmental probe subsequently led to the captain’s suspension.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola applauded the Financial Management Division for identifying and uprooting criminality within the ranks. He has assigned the SAPS anti-corruption unit to investigate the matter further.
In a statement, the SAPS assured the public that it maintains stringent measures to ensure taxpayers’ money is used in service to the nation and reiterated that it will not tolerate fraud and corruption within its ranks.
Brigadier Mathe emphasised that no close protector attached to the president, deputy president, ministers, or deputy ministers is implicated in the case.
The suspension highlights ongoing efforts by SAPS leadership to address internal financial irregularities, particularly in sensitive units responsible for high-level protection services. The investigation continues.