FORMER CRIME INTELLIGENCE OPERATIVE ARRESTED FOR STEALING FROM THE SECRET SERVICES ACCOUNT

Photo: Hawks Logo

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By: Neo Ntsele

A former Crime Intelligence Warrant Officer aged 48 appeared at the Bloemfontein Magistrates' Court Monday 29 July, for allegedly defrauding the Secret Services Account (SSA).

He was arrested in Botshabelo on Sunday, 28 July, by Serious Corruption Investigation detectives of the Hawks.

The suspect was a member of Free State CI allocated to Parkroad SAPS.

In 2022, he allegedly forged the signatures of his superiors and withdrew over R134 000 from the SSA.

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.

Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, said arresting a member who has betrayed his oath of office is never a pleasant feeling.

"However, it is good that we are identifying rotten elements within our ranks and arresting them. SSA funds strengthen our efforts to fight crime and make South Africa safer. We will not be derailed from this important mission," she said.

The member has since resigned from the service.