Conviction of former Eastern Cape top cop a warning to would-be thieves
Image: File/Archive
THE conviction and sentencing of former Port Alfred station commander Colonel Ncamisa Donkrag on fraud-related charges will serve as a deterrent to those who may be tempted to commit similar offences, says Sarah Baartman District acting Commissioner, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo.
Donkrag was sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of theft or fraud committed during the period of suspension. She was also ordered to compensate the South African Police Service a total of R12 767.80.
She had pleaded guilty to defrauding the SAPS on two separate occasions.
In the first incident, she pretended that she travelled using her private vehicle in May 2022 from Port Alfred to Port Edward, eMaxesibeni (Mount Ayliff), Mzamba, the Wild Coast and back to Port Alfred, and was reimbursed for the trip an amount of R8062.58.
On the second occasion, she pretended that in September 2022, she travelled from Port Alfred to respectively Zweltsha, Addo and back to Port Alfred. She was again reimbursed for the trip an amount of R 4705.25.
The court on Friday combined the two counts for the purpose of sentence.
Reacting to the court outcome, Naidoo said: "Such an outcome reflects that no matter what position one holds in the SAPS, nobody is above the law. SAPS is expecting all its employees to always serve with diligence, and honour.
"The investigative work by the Anti-Corruption Unit is commendable, and we urge members to continue with their work to fight against crimes such as fraud and corruption."
The outcome came at a time the SAPS was tightening their efforts against rogue elements within their ranks. An instructor at the SAPS Training Academy in Tshwane was recently arrested over the rape of a trainee on May 6.
The police ministry says the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) has ensured that the victim has the necessary medical care and ongoing emotional and psychological support services.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the alleged rape undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day.
'This alleged act is not only criminal in nature, but it is a disgraceful abuse of authority and a gross violation of the trust placed in those who are meant to shape and guide the next generation of police officers. To prey on a young recruit who has chosen to serve our nation through the SAPS is both reprehensible and inexcusable. This incident stands in stark contrast to the values and ethics we expect of our officers. It undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day.
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"The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been tasked with the matter and we urge them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served. We call for swift internal processes to be followed. The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message - no one is above the law.'
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