KNYSNA NEWS - A Knysna police officer, Sergeant Ralston Curwyne Selwyne Pietersen (44), was arrested yesterday, Friday 19 March, on several charges that include four counts of corruption, two counts of fraud, forgery and defeating the administration of justice.
Pietersen, who works in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court, was arrested at his place of work by the Hawks Commercial Crime Investigation team based in George.
He appeared in the same court where he is stationed shortly after his arrest and was released on R500 bail.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani said it is alleged that Pietersen lured the complainants on a regular basis into believing that he would assist them in having their traffic fines squashed or cleared in exchange of money. The incidents happened between April and October 2020.
“His arrest came after one of his victims reported the matter to the authorities and a waylay investigation was put in place. A total amount of R2 000 was allegedly recovered on him after an exchange with the police agent,” Hani said.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said Pietersen involved himself in a scheme where traffic fines and fines issued under the Disaster Management Act were either reduced or defrauded in turn for financial gain.
“Intelligence at our disposal led to various sting operations being conducted since September 2020. Investigators attached to the Knysna Detective, Eden Cluster Crime Intelligence and the DPCI pounced on the member on Friday,” Pojie said. “He was arrested at his place of work and faces various charges of corruption, forgery, theft and defeating the ends of justice.”
Pojie said the Western Cape police management decried the actions of the policeman who is in a position of trust in the community.
“He will be subjected to an internal disciplinary process. Police officials who involve themselves in acts of dishonesty will be brought to book in our efforts to clean out the service of any form of corruption,” he said.
The case against Pietersen has been remanded to 14 May for further investigation.
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