Paul Scheepers' sentencing marks a landmark case for South African law enforcement
Paul Scheepers, a former SAPS Crime Intelligence head turned private detective, faces sentencing for multiple fraud and money laundering charges.
Image: Bheki Radebe / File
Sentencing proceedings for Paul Scheepers, a former SAPS Crime Intelligence head turned private detective, took place virtually on Friday morning, led by Senior State Advocate Thersia du Toit.
While a list of witnesses was anticipated, both parties had yet to review the reports submitted by the State and defence regarding sentencing.
Scheepers was convicted of fraud and money laundering charges, including contraventions of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSiRA) and Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act (RICA).
In the landmark conviction, Scheepers became the first to be convicted for being in possession of a cellphone grabber/locator without ministerial exemption and use of multiple accounts to conceal R5.59 million in proceeds of unlawful activities.
Further sentencing proceedings for Scheepers are scheduled for August 28.
Scheepers was arrested in May 2015 at his Southfield business premises and the SAPS crime intelligence quarters in Bishop Lavis. He was out on R20,000 bail during the trial.
Scheepers remains out on bail while these proceedings are under way. The State has sought a sentence of direct imprisonment.
He was also found guilty of fraud for failure to disclose police employment while providing surveillance services to Nutri Pharma Solutions, Intaka Tech, and others, infringing attorney-client privilege, and acting as a private investigator/security provider without registration under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila.
The State’s case also argued that the applications for private work were not approved due to a conflict of interest.
The State charged Scheepers with 26 counts and alternatives to Counts 1 to 20 and Count 26. The charges included the contravention of the PSiRA and having a grabber.
Since 2003, Scheepers conducted work for his own business, Eagle Eye Solutions, as a private investigator, without being registered with PSiRA and without authorisation from the SAPS to conduct private work while employed as a police official and later a captain in the intelligence section of the police.
When he eventually applied to conduct private work while employed as a Crime Intelligence officer, it was Scheepers’ version that the type of business that he conducts is ‘audio restoration, cellphone forensics, building of tracking units and service, and sales of software in respect of cellphones’.
His trial was marred by a series of delays, one of which included the defence successfully applying for a magistrate to recuse herself due to her involvement in Scheepers’ Western Cape High Court application to have all charges dismissed.
Ntabazalila noted that this case is significant for producing South Africa’s first convictions under PSiRA and RICA for these offences.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, previously lauded the investigation and prosecution teams for securing the convictions in what the NPA described as a complicated case, which underscores the importance of integrity and compliance within law enforcement.
“The misuse of police authority, unauthorised private security operations, and unlawful possession of surveillance technology pose serious risks to public trust and national security,” Bell had said.