Bail granted for Mossel Bay police officer facing fraud and corruption allegations

A police officer from Mossel Bay, Lauriane Botha, has been granted R3,000 bail by the George Specialised Crimes Court as she faces multiple charges, including fraud, corruption, and defeating the administration of justice. 

Botha's release comes with specific conditions following her recent court appearance, where she was charged with corruption and intimidation.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed that Botha was charged with and summoned to appear before the court in Great Brak River, facing 323 counts of fraud.

“At her first appearance on October 28, 2025, she was absent from court due to illness. The matter was postponed for her presence and representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The State alleges that shortly before her appearance in January this year, she located the complainant in the fraud matter and attempted to persuade him to withdraw the charges against her. 

“She promised the complainant items she would purchase and also threatened him with imprisonment. At the time of doing this, she was in full police uniform and using a police vehicle,” said Ntabazalila.

Before February 10, Botha allegedly sent the investigating officer a text message claiming the complainant wanted to withdraw charges against her, which prompted an investigation.

“The investigation led to her arrests and a first court appearance at the Mossel Bay Magistrate’s Court (on Monday), February 23. The court set her bail at R3,000 with conditions that she must not be in contact with State witnesses,” said Ntabazalila.

Botha’s case has been postponed to February 27, where the fraud and the latest cases will be joined.

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