KNYSNA NEWS - The protracted court case involving a Knysna police officer accused of corruption and fraud is finally drawing to a close, nearly six years after the allegations first surfaced. 

Sentencing in the matter has been postponed to 19 January, after the defence failed to appear in court recently.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi of the Hawks, the accused - Sergeant Ralston Pietersen, formerly stationed at Knysna Police Station, has been convicted of fraud, corruption and defeating the administration of justice.

The charges relate to incidents in September and October 2020, when Pietersen allegedly solicited money from a member of the public in exchange for assistance in having traffic fines withdrawn. 

As part of the scheme, he submitted a fraudulent affidavit in the complainant's name to ensure the withdrawal of the fines.

Pietersen received R2 000 in cash as gratification for facilitating the fraudulent withdrawal.

"Following an investigation, he was formally charged in May 2021. After years of delays and court proceedings, the matter progressed when Pietersen pleaded guilty on 7 October 2025, resulting in a conviction on all counts," said Vukubi.

The case will return to court in January, when sentencing is expected to bring the long-running criminal matter to its conclusion.

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