Two police administration clerks attached to the Public Order Police in the Northern Cape have been convicted after pleading guilty on several counts of fraud for submitting fictitious travel claims.

Mzwandile Revelation Makupeni‚ 38‚ and Prince Agisanang Pico‚ 39‚ allegedly submitted several fictitious travel claims totalling over R50‚000 between May 2013 and June 2014.

 An investigation by the Hawks revealed that the duo altered the quotations requested from several guesthouses and submitted fraudulent proofs of payment on trips that never occurred‚ said police spokesman Captain Philani Nkwalase.

 The court sentenced them to a fine of R20‚000 or‚ alternatively‚ four years’ imprisonment‚ half of which is suspended for five years on condition that they are not found guilty of fraud during the period of suspension.

 They were also ordered to pay back an amount of R18‚839 to the South African Police Service.