CASE HALTED: Fraud trial of Komani cop hits bizarre legal snag
A Komani police captain faces a possible criminal conviction after allegedly defrauding the police of R1,800 in a dodgy accommodation reimbursement. But on the eve of her judgment, her case was left in limbo when it turned out her attorney did not have the right to argue her case before the regional court.
A Komani police captain faces potential criminal charges after allegedly defrauding the police of R1,800 through false accommodation reimbursement. Zimkhitha Duda, a captain stationed in Komani, was set to visit Maletswai for work between October 31 and November 4, 2023. She was supposed to submit an application for accommodation and meal costs, but allegedly overcharged the SAPS by requesting an inflated invoice for R1,800, while the actual price was only R450 per night.
The guesthouse owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told investigators that she initially agreed to the higher invoice, as she thought it would be easier to pay back the extra amount. However, she now realizes that trusting the police was a mistake. Duda approached the guesthouse owner and asked her to revise the invoice to R3,600, after which she requested the guesthouse owner to transfer the difference to her daughter's bank account.
When the relevant office at the Komani police station received the conflicting invoices, red flags were raised, and an investigation was launched. On August 10, 2025, Duda appeared before the Komani regional court on charges of fraud and money laundering. The court discovered that her attorney did not possess a Right of Appearance Certificate, which is necessary to argue a case before the regional court. Consequently, the matter was referred to the Legal Practice Council for review.
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