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NATIONAL NEWS & VIDEO - They were charged with fraud, corruption, money laundering and theft for their alleged involvement in an R56-million car markings tender.
Nine of the suspects arrested are former and serving South African police service members while six are either associated with or are suppliers.
One more accused, who only handed himself over on Sunday, was due to appear on Wednesday for his formal bail application, bringing the number of people accused in connection with the multimillion-rand scandal to 32.
Sixteen accused, including a retired police general, senior and junior officers as well as suppliers, were arrested in June this year.
Investigating directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Twala said the 15 accused who appeared in court on Monday, were three police officers who are stationed at the supply chain division in Silverton, two retired captains, four police admin clerks and the rest were civilians.
“The accused are Captain Schalk Willem Coetzee, Captain Willem Johannes Jansen (both retired), Captain Rudolph Johanness Smit, Captain Andre Simpson, Warrant Officer Modikwa Brendah Tsebehlane, admin clerks: Melumisi Abel Mafoho, Zuzette Magrita Spank, Marna Leana Bornman and Lethabo Mabore Mamabolo.
“The others who are not employees of the SAPS are Romila Vadivaloo Naidoo, Prinesh Naidoo, Rosina Milanzi, Salamina Khoza, Harry Milanzi, Abigayle Esau.”
Twala said the alleged criminal incidents happened more than 200 times between the period of April 2016- 2019.
“The quotations allegations relate to contracts for the installation of palisades fencing, repair of state motor vehicles, gardening services, servicing of forklifts and painting services.”
All the accused will be joined when the matter resumes on 29 September.
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Head of the investigating directorate advocate Hermione Cronje said they were making great progress in rounding up everyone who was involved in the case.
“We are making exceptional strides because of the assistance by special task team seconded to us by the national police commissioner.”
The police commissioner General Khehla Sitole said he has always been very clear that criminality by members of the SAPS would neither be tolerated nor condoned and working with the investigating directorate had assisted in expediting this.
