Three police officers have been granted bail after appearing before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges of fraud related to subsistence claims. The officers, retired Captain Sandla Dlulisa, 63, expelled former Sergeant Kenneth Booi, 44, and Sergeant Andile Warrick Mpitimpithi, 49, who is currently serving in the Provincial Organized Crime branch, were taken into custody by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit on Monday, July 29.*
According to Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, the fraudulent activities took place between December 2017 and August 2018. The three accused allegedly conspired to file false subsistence claims, falsely stating that they were conducting investigations in various cities and towns, while they were actually at their respective offices or homes. The investigation revealed that they made these fraudulent claims for entire months, including public holidays, despite not spending nights away from their primary locations.
The Hawks’ investigation further uncovered that the trio stole more than R260,000 from the South African Police Service (SAPS) during the period in question.
Each of the accused was granted R5,000 bail by the court. The case has been postponed to August 27 to allow for further legal proceedings and guidance from the attorneys involved.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Hawks’ regional commander, commended the team for upholding the law without fear or favor, even when it involved their peers.
