SAPS Sergeant Arrested Over Alleged State Fleet Card Fraud in Limpopo
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SAPS Sergeant Accused of Using State Fleet Cards in R2,000-Plus Fuel Fraud Scheme
A 54-year-old South African Police Service sergeant is facing fraud and theft charges after an investigation allegedly uncovered the misuse of state fleet cards and a scheme involving private vehicles at a Limpopo filling station.
The police member, who is based at Lebowakgomo, was arrested by the Limpopo Anti-Corruption Unit on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, following an investigation into alleged fraudulent transactions involving state-owned fuel cards.
The case began after a state vehicle was stopped at a filling station in the Sebayeng policing area during the Arrive Alive campaign on 11 April 2025.
The driver attempted to refuel the vehicle using a state fleet card, but the transaction was declined because the required number of kilometres had not been travelled since the vehicle’s previous refuelling.
Further investigation allegedly revealed that the same fleet card had been used earlier that day, with the correct vehicle mileage not recorded. The transaction amounted to R1,227.50.
Investigators from the Anti-Corruption Unit then uncovered further alleged irregularities involving other state fleet cards.
According to the investigation, the sergeant allegedly used another state fleet card at a filling station within the Lebowakgomo policing precinct. Records reportedly showed that the vehicle associated with that card was undergoing repairs at a SAPS garage at the time.
Despite the vehicle being off the road, a transaction of R1,300 was allegedly processed using the fleet card.
Investigators also allegedly found that a third state fleet card had been used at the same filling station for a transaction worth R700 on a day when the vehicle linked to the card was parked and not being used.
The investigation allegedly uncovered a broader scheme in which the fleet cards were removed from a police office and taken to the filling station.
Police allege that the member then colluded with three petrol attendants, who filled fuel into customers’ private vehicles in exchange for cash.
Once the cash had been received, the state fleet card was allegedly used to pay for the fuel, with the money then allegedly shared between the police member and the petrol attendants.
The case was investigated by the Limpopo Anti-Corruption Unit before the docket was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently authorised charges of fraud and theft against the police sergeant.
The 54-year-old member was charged and served with a summons to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on 24 August 2026.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Major-General Jan Scheepers, said corruption within the police service would not be tolerated.
“Corruption within the ranks will not be tolerated. We commend the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for their thorough investigation that led to the arrest of this member. We remain committed to rooting out any form of misconduct and ensuring that public resources are protected.”
The police investigation is continuing.
The case comes as law enforcement agencies face ongoing pressure to strengthen internal accountability and protect public resources from abuse. The allegations against the sergeant have yet to be tested in court, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
