Ex-Police Constable Gets Suspended Sentence for Using Fake Matric Certificate

Limpopo Constable Convicted for Using Fake Matric Certificate

In a case that has raised questions about vetting and integrity in the police service, a former Limpopo police constable has been convicted of fraud after it emerged he had joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) using a fake matric certificate.

The Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court found 43-year-old Eric Nyadzani Ravhura guilty, handing down a 12-month suspended sentence or a R30,000 fine, with the sentence suspended for five years on the condition he commits no similar offence. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm, a crucial safeguard given his former role in law enforcement.

How the Fraud Unfolded

Ravhura, who had previously served as a police reservist, applied for the 2020 SAPS trainee intake after vacancies were advertised in September 2019. The advertised posts required a Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification.

Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, spokesperson for Limpopo police, explained that Ravhura submitted a fraudulent Grade 12 certificate, which went undetected during recruitment. Based on the falsified document, he completed police training and was permanently appointed as a constable at Alldays police station.

However, the deception unraveled in June 2021, when the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) flagged the certificate as fraudulent. This triggered an internal SAPS investigation, which revealed that the service had incurred financial losses from his training and salary.

Legal Proceedings and Sentence

The case was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, leading to a warrant for Ravhura’s arrest. After several court appearances, Ravhura was convicted on 27 October 2025.

Acting provincial commissioner of police, Major General Jan Scheepers, welcomed the sentence. “Integrity and honesty are non-negotiable qualities within the South African Police Service,” Scheepers said. “Those who join the SAPS must do so with honesty, as the work we do demands public trust.”

The sentence underscores the SAPS’ stance that fraud and dishonesty will not be tolerated, sending a clear warning to current and future recruits.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

The case has reignited debate on vetting and accountability within SAPS, especially given the sensitive nature of policing and the public’s reliance on law enforcement officers.

On social media, South Africans expressed mixed reactions:

• Some celebrated the sentence as a victory for accountability, noting that trust in the police is vital for societal safety.

• Others questioned how Ravhura’s fraudulent credentials slipped through the cracks, calling for more stringent background checks.

Lessons for the SAPS

Experts say that cases like Ravhura’s highlight the need for robust verification systems and continuous integrity checks for law enforcement officials. Police officers hold positions of immense responsibility, and any breach of honesty can undermine public confidence in the justice system.

Ravhura’s suspended sentence serves as a reminder that while SAPS is committed to maintaining public trust, the recruitment and vetting processes must evolve to prevent similar abuses in the future.

A former Limpopo constable’s attempt to shortcut the system with a fake matric certificate has ended in a criminal conviction and a suspended sentence. The case emphasizes SAPS’ commitment to integrity while highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in police recruitment.

{Source: IOL}

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