Ex-Police Constable Sentenced for Submitting Fake Grade 12 Certificate to Join SAPS

Limpopo case underlines importance of integrity in law enforcement

A 43-year-old former police reservist has been handed a conviction for fraud after attempting to fast-track his career in the South African Police Service (SAPS) using a fraudulent Grade 12 certificate. The case, which unfolded in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, has drawn attention to the rigorous checks required in law enforcement recruitment.

Eric Nyadzani Ravhura, who was serving as a police reservist at the time, applied for the 2020 Police Trainee Intake. The intake process clearly required applicants to hold a Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification. Ravhura submitted a fake certificate, which led to his acceptance, training, and permanent appointment as a constable at Alldays SAPS.

How the Fraud Was Discovered

In June 2021, a verification exercise by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) revealed that Ravhura’s certificate was fraudulent. The discovery meant that SAPS had unknowingly incurred financial losses covering his training and salary during his employment.

Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, SAPS spokesperson, confirmed that the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit led the investigation.

“The accused was found guilty on 27 October 2025 of one count of fraud. On 03 November 2025, he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of R30 000, suspended for five years, provided no similar offence is committed during that time. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” Mashaba said.

Court and Sentencing

The court’s ruling underscores the serious consequences of dishonesty in positions of public trust. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had authorised the arrest and prosecution, following an extensive investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit.

“Integrity and honesty are non-negotiable qualities within SAPS,” stated Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers, welcoming the sentence.

The case also serves as a cautionary tale for aspirants seeking to join law enforcement, reinforcing the message that deception in qualifications or credentials will be met with legal consequences.

Social and Professional Reactions

The ruling has sparked discussions on social media about the rigour of vetting processes in SAPS. Many South Africans expressed frustration that a reservist could bypass standard procedures and rise to a permanent role without proper qualification verification. Others saw the conviction as a step toward accountability, restoring faith in recruitment integrity.

One user commented on Twitter:

“Glad to see SAPS taking fraud seriously. If we can’t trust police to meet minimum requirements, how can we trust them to uphold the law?”

Broader Implications

The Ravhura case highlights the critical role of qualification verification in public service appointments. It also underscores the importance of Anti-Corruption Units and independent bodies like SAQA in safeguarding the credibility of South African institutions.

As South Africa continues to tackle systemic corruption across various sectors, SAPS’ swift action in this case sends a strong message: positions of public trust demand honesty, and fraudulent behaviour will not be tolerated.

{Source: The Citizen}

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