Suspended prison sentence for CT police official
The three years were conditionally suspended for five years.
In addition to the suspended sentence, he had to immediately pay his R860 ill-gotten gains to the Asset Forfeiture Unit
Marius Swart, 50, appeared before magistrate Sabrina Sonnenberg on Friday, in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Bellville.
His hearing took the form of a plea bargain.
Prosecutor Thersia du Toit-Smit told the court Swart had abused a position of trust.
Swart pleaded guilty to a single fraud charge, involving six victims and a total of R860.
According to the charge sheet, the courier service contracted by the Sea Point police, to expedite applications for police clearances, charged R140 per application.
The scam happened in the three months from October to December last year.
One of his victims, Meiskine Driesens, paid him R200 instead of the required R140.
Another, Dennis Coon, paid R450 (R310 more than he had to).
A third, Goodwill Usher, paid R350 (R210 more than he had to).
A fourth, Sarah Jotcham, paid R60 more than required, and a fifth, Ashley van Hoogerhuijs, paid R160 more.
The sixth victim, Cedric Ayer also paid R60 more than necessary.
The prosecutor said the scheme was well-planned, and that the victims no longer trusted police officials.
She said Swart was found out when one of the victims reported him.
She added: “The accused did not stop of his own accord.”
ANA
File photo: Gallo Images