A 43-year-old police constable, Eric Nyadzani Ravhura, who was found guilty of fraud after submitting a fraudulent Grade 12 certificate to secure appointment within the South African Police Service.
The court heard that on 22 September 2019, the SAPS advertised posts for the 2020 Police Trainee Intake, requiring applicants to possess a Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification.
The accused, who was then serving as a Police Reservist, applied for the post and submitted a fraudulent Grade 12 certificate.
Based on this misrepresentation, he was accepted, underwent police training, and was permanently appointed as a Constable at Alldays SAPS.
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.
The accused was arrested after a warrant of arrest was issued.
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.
On 03 November 2025, the accused was sentenced to twelve (12) months imprisonment or a fine of R30 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Rand), suspended for five (5) years, on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during the suspension period. Additionally, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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