Nelspruit: A group of security personnel are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday after they were found in possession of fraudulently acquired competency certificates. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) revealed that these certificates are legally required to ensure individuals are adequately trained and qualified to handle firearms responsibly.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation, Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC), and a private security company collaborated on the investigation. This joint effort resulted in summoning 21 security personnel to court, following the discovery of their fraudulent certificates in February 2024. The upcoming court appearance involves six suspects, with a previously scheduled appearance for seven others on January 24 and another group on January 17.
The suspects were released with a warning to reappear in court on February 7, 2025. The Hawks also mentioned that three other individuals, suspected to be the masterminds behind the fraudulent activities, will be summoned to court at a later date. Major General Nico Gerber, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Hawks, emphasized that fraudulently obtained competency certificates pose significant risks, potentially leading to accidents and damaging the reputation of security firms.
The investigation underscores the importance of verifying competency certificates to maintain public safety and prevent firearms from falling into unqualified hands. The Hawks noted that the probe was prioritized due to the potential threat posed by improperly certified individuals entrusted with public safety. The investigation began after a private security company discovered some employees possessed fraudulent and unregistered certificates.