south africa : Captain Johannes van Rensburg granted bail in SAPS finance fraud case

Captain Johannes Van Rensburg, accused of defrauding the South African Police Services’ finance system, was released on R50,000 bail. 

Van Rensburg, 53, attached to the Protection and Security Service (PSS), was arrested on Monday by the SAPS anti-corruption unit.

He made his first appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Police said investigations revealed that Van Rensburg manipulated the system to book out cash under the guise of travel expenses for close protectors attached to the Presidential Protection Services (PPS). 

“However, the money was not received by the protectors but was withdrawn in lump sums by the officer.”

In court on Monday, Van Rensburg, through his lawyer, said that he does not own a motor vehicle and has not travelled outside South Africa in the past 10 years, although he does possess a valid passport.

He told the court, “I have no intention of travelling outside of South Africa. I do not oppose any conditions related to my travel documents.”Van Rensburg added that he is solely responsible for his children, as his ex-wife, who resides in Britain, does not assist in their upkeep.“I have no criminal history, and this is my first offence,” he said.

“I have no history of violence or anti-authoritarian behaviour, and I understand the nature and gravity of the charges against me.”

He emphasised his cooperation with SAPS and the investigating officer, noting that neither the state nor the investigating officer opposed his bail application. “I have no incentive to flee or evade my trial,” he said, adding that he fully complied with SAPS requests during his arrest.

Van Rensburg further said that, if released on bail, he would comply with all court conditions. He proposed reporting weekly to the Wunderburg Police Station, located approximately three kilometres from his home, between 8am and 6pm.