A former South African Police Service (SAPS) constable from Limpopo was found guilty of fraud after submitting a fake Grade 12 certificate to get hired. He faces a suspended 12-month prison sentence or a fine of R30,000.
According to provincial spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of 43-year-old police constable Eric Nyadzani Ravhura.
The court heard that in September 2019, the SAPS advertised posts for the 2020 Police Trainee Intake, which required applicants to have a Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification. At the time serving as a police reservist, Ravhura applied using a fraudulent Grade 12 certificate, which led to his acceptance, completion of police training, and permanent appointment at Alldays SAPS.
Mashaba said that in June 2021, a verification process conducted by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) revealed that the certificate submitted by the accused was not authentic.
“The fraudulent act resulted in the SAPS suffering a financial loss due to the salary and training costs incurred during his employment.”
He added that following SAQA’s findings, a case was opened and referred to the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation. Once the investigation was completed, the docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, which led to the issuing and execution of a warrant of arrest against Ravhura.
“After several court appearances, Eric Nyadzani Ravhura was found guilty on 27 October 2025 by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on one count of fraud,” he said.
Mashaba revealed that on November 3, Ravhura was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a R30,000 fine, suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence during the suspension period. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, welcomed the sentence, stressing that integrity and honesty remain non-negotiable within the South African Police Service.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za