Mpumalanga – A former South African Police Service (SAPS) constable has appeared in court on fraud and theft charges over the alleged misuse of a police fleet card worth approximately R8,000.
Bafo Siyabonga Cindi, 35, was arrested by the Hawks on 22 October 2026 at Ermelo Correctional Centre, where he is being held pending trial in separate stock theft cases registered in Perdekop and Greylingstad. He was previously denied bail in those matters.
“No uniform, badge or rank places anyone above the law,” said Brigadier Bruce Davenport, the acting provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga.
“Those who abuse their authority and misuse state resources for personal enrichment will face the full might of the law. The Hawks in Mpumalanga remain committed to protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system and restoring public confidence through decisive action against corruption,” Davenport said.
According to the South African Police Service, the latest charges stem from an investigation launched in 2024 after the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Standerton reported the alleged misuse of a South African Police Service First National Bank fleet card.
Cindi was allegedly attached to the unit as an investigating officer when he used the fleet card to conduct personal transactions amounting to approximately R8,000.
The Hawks’ Secunda Serious Corruption Investigation investigated the matter and submitted the case docket to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). An application for a warrant of arrest was subsequently authorised.
Cindi was dismissed from the SAPS in May 2026.
He appeared before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on 22 October, facing charges of fraud and theft. The matter was postponed to 5 November 2026 to allow him to secure legal representation.
The Hawks said the arrest formed part of efforts to strengthen accountability and combat corruption within law enforcement and the broader public sector.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
