North West deputy police commissioner Maj. Gen. Patrick Asaneng was found guilty in the Potchefstroom Magistrate's Court on Friday (20/3). The conviction stems from incidents in 2019 involving the misuse of state resources.

Asaneng was charged with unlawfully using a police helicopter to attend a crime scene at a voting station in Ikageng, Potchefstroom. He also submitted a claim for using his private vehicle for official duties while the car was undergoing servicing.

In addition, he faced three other charges related to allegedly defrauding the SAPS by claiming meals and subsistence allowances during a stay in Mahikeng. However, he was acquitted on those additional counts.

Authorities say internal processes are now underway following the judgment.

“Police are studying and processing the judgment in line with legal and internal (procedures). The process constitutes the matter between an employer and employee and is subject to due processes, confidentiality, and applicable legislation,” said North West police spokesperson Anne Magakoe.

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has also weighed in, indicating it will not act prematurely. “We will await the decision of the acting provincial commissioner in this matter before we make further inputs,” said union spokesperson Johannes Dire.

Asaneng is expected to return to court for sentencing on 20 and 21 July.His conviction comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of senior police officials, following revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The commission recently heard testimony alleging systemic corruption and close ties between some senior officers and criminal syndicates.

The recent evidence presented by Fannie Nkosi suggested that high-ranking police officials may have colluded with an alleged criminal cartel, exchanging confidential information for financial rewards and gifts.

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OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm