Cape Town – A former police reservist who used a fake Grade 12 certificate to secure a job in the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been convicted of fraud and handed a suspended sentence.
According to The Citizen, 43-year-old Eric Nyadzani Ravhura was found guilty by the Louis Trichardt Regional Court for submitting a fraudulent matric certificate during the 2020 Police Trainee Intake process.
The court sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment or a R30 000 fine, suspended for five years, and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
As reported by IOL, SAPS provincial spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said, “After several court appearances, Eric Nyadzani Ravhura was found guilty on 27 October 2025 on one count of fraud.”
According to Mashaba, Ravhura had initially applied for the trainee programme after SAPS advertised posts in September 2019 requiring a valid Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification.
“He submitted a fraudulent certificate as part of his application while serving as a reservist,” Mashaba stated. “He was then accepted into the training programme and later appointed as a constable at Alldays SAPS.”
However, the fraud came to light when the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) conducted a routine verification in June 2021.
“It was revealed that the certificate submitted by the accused was not authentic,” Mashaba said.
The case was investigated by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, which uncovered that Ravhura had benefited financially through his employment.
“The fraudulent act resulted in the SAPS suffering a financial loss due to the salary and training costs incurred during his employment,” Mashaba added.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers welcomed the court’s decision, saying the outcome should serve as a deterrent to others.
“We appreciate the successful conviction of this member who used fraudulent documents to gain employment,” Scheepers said.
“Integrity and honesty are non-negotiable qualities within the South African Police Service.”
As stated by SAPS, the service continues to enforce strict verification processes for all new recruits to ensure that “only candidates who meet the required qualifications and integrity standards” are allowed to serve.
The case highlights the department’s ongoing efforts to uphold accountability and combat internal fraud. “Those who compromise the integrity of the SAPS through dishonesty will be exposed and brought to justice,” Scheepers said.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
