SAPS Clerk Caught Running Loan Shark Operation with 140 Bank and SASSA Cards

A police administration clerk in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, has been convicted for running an illegal loan operation, turning his public service position into a side hustle with serious legal consequences, though he walked away without jail time.

Bernard Ndlovu, 53, was sentenced by the White River Magistrate’s Court to a one-year prison term or a R30,000 fine, but the sentence was fully suspended for five years, provided he doesn’t commit a similar offence.

Sourced: IOL

How the Scheme Worked

According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Ndlovu’s operations were discovered in July 2023 at Hazyview police station. Investigators seized 140 bank and SASSA cards from his office.

Ndlovu ran an unregistered cash loan business, demanding clients’ cards as collateral. This meant that anyone borrowing money from him effectively gave up control of their finances until the loan was repaid.

“When clients borrowed money, Ndlovu took their cards as security to ensure repayment,” Nkosi explained. “He was arrested for contravening the National Credit Act.”

Hawks Crack Down on Public Service Corruption

The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Nelspruit led the probe, compiling evidence that resulted in Ndlovu’s conviction.

Nkosi emphasized that the case sends a strong warning to other public servants tempted to exploit their positions for financial gain.

“The Hawks will always investigate without fear or favour,” he said.

Social media reaction has been a mix of outrage and disbelief, with many pointing out the irony of a police employee breaking the law while tasked with upholding it. Some users questioned how such a scheme went unnoticed for so long, highlighting concerns about internal oversight.

Context and Commentary

Loan sharking isn’t just a criminal issue in South Africa; it reflects broader systemic vulnerabilities, especially when public servants abuse their positions. By holding clients’ SASSA cards, linked to vital social grants, Ndlovu exploited the very people the state is meant to support.

Legal experts note that while suspended sentences are often criticized as being too lenient, they serve as a cautionary tool for first-time offenders while still imposing accountability.

For Ndlovu, the case closes a chapter of financial misconduct, abuse of power, and public betrayal, but it also highlights the ongoing need for stronger safeguards in public service roles.

The next day, Hawks officials reiterated their commitment to rooting out corruption, promising that any misuse of authority in government offices will be met with rigorous investigation.