Mpumalanga SAPS Clerk Faces Court for Alleged Petrol Theft from Police Station Exhibit

In an unfolding case that calls into question the integrity of law enforcement personnel, a 39-year-old administration clerk at the Grootvlei South African Police Service (SAPS) has been officially charged and is set to make his initial court appearance. The incident, involving the alleged theft of petrol from a vehicle held at the police station as an exhibit, is scheduled for hearing at the Balfour Magistrate's Court on February 20, 2025.

The accused, whose identity has been withheld pending court proceedings, is part of a broader investigation led by the Hawks' Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team. His co-accused include a 43-year-old police sergeant, John Nene; a 35-year-old police constable, Julie Manzana; and a 51-year-old plumber from Dipaleseng Local Municipality, William Mahlaba. Except for Manzana, who was similarly summoned, both Nene and Mahlaba previously secured bail post-arrest.

This case first came to light in November 2022 when discrepancies regarding the petrol levels in a vehicle stored at the Grootvlei SAPS as an exhibit were noticed. The additional involvement of the administration clerk was uncovered through meticulous investigation, leading to his upcoming court appearance.

Major General Nico Gerber, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, emphasized the commitment of the Directorate to uphold justice. "We are dedicated to thoroughly investigating this breach of trust and ensuring that all individuals involved are held fully accountable for their actions," stated Gerber.

The legal proceedings are keenly observed, not just by the local community but also by wider observers, as they test the SAPS's internal accountability mechanisms. With the trial set for July 29 and 30, 2025, the community expects a transparent judicial process that addresses the alleged misconduct within their police force effectively.