SAPS employee thrived as loan shark, found with 140 bank and SASSA cards
An administration clerk stationed at Hazyview police station in Mpumalanga has avoided jail time after being convicted of running an illegal loan business while in possession of dozens of bank and South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) cards belonging to his clients.
Bernard Ndlovu, 53, was sentenced by the White River Magistrate’s Court to one year in prison or a R30,000 fine, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence.
Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, said Ndlovu was arrested at his workplace in July 2023 after investigators found him with 140 different bank and SASSA cards.
“Bernard Ndlovu was arrested at his workplace two years ago, on 21 July 2023, when he was found in possession of 140 different bank and SASSA cards. Investigation revealed that Ndlovu was conducting an unregistered cash loan business.
“When clients borrowed money, Ndlovu took his clients’ cards as security to ensure his money was paid back. He was arrested for the contravention of the National Credit Act,” said Nkosi.
The Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit probed the case and presented evidence that led to Ndlovu’s conviction on Tuesday.
Nkosi said the sentence sends a strong message to public servants tempted to use their positions for criminal gain.
“The Hawks will always investigate without fear or favour,” he said.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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