LIMPOPO – A Lebowakgomo SAPS sergeant has been arrested for alleged fraud and theft involving the systematic misuse of state fleet cards. The 54-year-old police officer was taken into custody on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, by the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit following an extensive investigation into irregular fuel transactions.
The allegations trace back to Friday, 11 April 2025, when a male complainant driving a state vehicle in the Sebayeng policing area during the Arrive Alive campaign attempted to refuel at a local filling station. The transaction was declined due to insufficient kilometres having been travelled since the last refuelling. Preliminary investigations revealed the fleet card had been used earlier that same day for R1,227.50 without the correct mileage being recorded.
Further intensive investigations by the Anti-Corruption Unit uncovered that the same officer allegedly used a second state fleet card at a filling station within the Lebowakgomo policing precinct. Records indicated the vehicle linked to this card was at the SAPS garage for repairs at the time, yet a transaction of R1,300.00 was processed. Additionally, the member allegedly used a third fleet card at the same station for R700.00 on a day the associated motor vehicle was parked and out of use.
Investigators allege the sergeant stole the fleet cards from the office and transported them to the filling station. There, he reportedly colluded with three petrol attendants, who filled private customers’ vehicles with fuel in exchange for cash. Following the cash exchange, the officer would swipe the state fleet card and allegedly split the proceeds with the attendants.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the docket was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who authorized formal charges of fraud and theft against the officer. The 54-year-old sergeant has been charged and served with a summons to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, condemned the alleged misconduct, stating, “Corruption within the ranks will not be tolerated. We commend the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for its thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of this member. We remain committed to rooting out any form of misconduct and ensuring that public resources are protected.”
Police investigations into the matter remain ongoing.