SAPS sergeant accused of using stolen fleet cards to fuel private vehicles

Limpopo – A 54-year-old South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant stationed in Lebowakgomo, Limpopo, has been arrested and charged with fraud and theft for allegedly misusing state fleet cards in a scheme involving petrol attendants.

According to SAPS, the officer was arrested on Wednesday by members of the Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit following an investigation into the alleged fraudulent use of government fuel cards.

Police said the investigation stemmed from an incident on 11 April 2025, when a SAPS member attempted to refuel a state vehicle during the Arrive Alive campaign in the Sebayeng policing area.

The transaction was declined because the vehicle had not travelled the required distance since its previous refuelling.

“Further preliminary investigations revealed that the fleet card had been used on the same day without the correct kilometres being captured. An amount of R1,227.50 was transacted,” SAPS said.

Investigators later uncovered two additional allegedly fraudulent transactions involving other state fleet cards.

According to police, one fleet card was used to make a fuel purchase of R1,300, despite the vehicle linked to the card being at a SAPS garage for repairs at the time.

A third fleet card was allegedly used to purchase R700 worth of fuel on a day when the associated vehicle was parked and not in use.

Police allege the sergeant stole the fleet cards from a SAPS office before taking them to a local filling station, where he allegedly colluded with three petrol attendants.

“It is alleged that the member stole the fleet cards from the office and took them to the filling station. Upon arrival, he allegedly colluded with three petrol attendants, who filled petrol into customers’ private vehicles in exchange for cash. After the cash transaction, the member would swipe the state fleet card and allegedly share the money with the petrol attendants,” SAPS said.

Following the completion of the investigation, the docket was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who authorised charges of fraud and theft.

The sergeant was served with a summons and is expected to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on 24 August 2026.

Acting Limpopo Police Commissioner Major-General Jan Scheepers said the arrest demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling corruption within its ranks.

“Corruption within the ranks will not be tolerated. We commend the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for its thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of this member. We remain committed to rooting out any form of misconduct and ensuring that public resources are protected.”

Police said investigations into the matter are continuing.