| 2024/11/16 |
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Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Crime Investigation, working with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), secured a conviction against Christopher Andrew Joe (44), for defrauding the South African Police Service (SAPS) of over R160, 000. In 2023, a SAPS Ford Ranger broke down in Aliwal North and was sent for repairs through WesBank. Innova Motorworks (Pty) Ltd, under the RT46 Government contract, was assigned the job. Joe, the company’s sole director, submitted an invoice claiming he had installed a new engine, turbo and injectors. A post-repair inspection by a SAPS mechanic revealed that the vehicle still had its old engine, the turbo was merely sandblasted and the injectors were not replaced. This led to a significant financial loss for SAPS. Following investigations done by the Hawks, Joe was charged with fraud. On 14 November 2024, the Queenstown Regional Court found him guilty. The next day, he was sentenced to five years of suspended imprisonment, provided he repays WesBank over R150, 000 with 11.75% interest by 28 February 2025. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, applauded the teams for their commitment and hard work in bringing the perpetrator to justice. Ends
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