An investigation has been launched after a massive stash of cash — believed to be R80,000 — mysteriously vanished from the office of the newly appointed Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Vuyisile Ncata.
The money allegedly disappeared while Ncata was serving as the Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, where he oversaw 18 police stations.
The cash was reportedly amassed over the past 12 months when Ncata rattled his begging bowl, asking men and women in blue to pay between R10 and R20 per person for multiple sporting events and fun walks — with the latest one scheduled for next week Friday — all under the guise that these proceeds would help fund the excellence awards.
This was over and above the R1,000 demanded from station commanders and the R100 contributed by junior members and captains. SA Police Service Act personnel had to give R50.
However, the excellence awards ceremony is yet to take place, with no date even set for the event.
The district excellence awards are an annual ceremony held to recognise and reward the exceptional performance and hard work of dedicated police officers and stations.
Instead of declaring the donations as required by police protocol, Ncata allegedly kept the cash in a safe inside his office on the third floor of the Mount Road police station.
He tasked his secretary, Cherice Davis, with looking after the money, despite a dedicated bank account having already been opened for that purpose.
Davis allegedly used the opportunity to help herself to the funds.
The theft only came to light after Ncata vacated his post to take up his new role as the provincial commissioner. He was appointed to the new role on April 1 2026.
He instructed a finance officer to count the money, and the officer then realised the stash had been completely pilfered.
A criminal case was opened against Davis last week.
She has subsequently resigned and is currently serving out her notice period.
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the incident, saying the criminal case is being investigated by the Eastern Cape’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
“An internal departmental investigation is also underway,” Gantana said.
“SAPS can confirm the secretary has tendered her resignation and is currently serving her notice period.
“To protect the integrity of the investigations, no further information can be shared at this time.”
Calls to Davis rang unanswered.
A police insider, who declined to be named due to fear of reprisal, has characterised the fundraising scheme as “extortion” of the 18 police stations by the general.
The source claimed the money was instead used for unauthorised purposes.
“He took money for fun and to buy food such as KFC for a certain school where he wanted to shine,” the insider alleged.
She questioned why a general would collect money from stations for personal use and instruct a junior clerk to keep cash in the office rather than declaring it or depositing it with the finance department or a bank.
“Now the poor clerk is charged alone, but they allegedly used the money together,” she said.
Another insider claimed the timing of the discovery was “highly suspicious”.
“Very funny, after he was promoted, someone out of the blue came to this clerk and said they must count the money,” the source said.
“The money was gone, and a case was opened.
“How is that possible? Ncata left for his new post without [allegedly] appointing anyone to supervise the secretary or the funds.”
A third source within the police service echoed these sentiments, saying members felt completely drained by the constant financial demands.
“We felt extorted because we are expected to contribute towards every little thing,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Policing expert Patricia Mashale said it needed to be established whether Nelson Mandela Bay police were forced to contribute.
“SAPS and the public service have internal policies that say such collections must be approved by senior provincial members and properly accounted for,” she said.
“Officials can’t just collect money on their own authority.
“The main concern is whether the payments are voluntary.
“If junior members feel pressured to pay, it can be treated as misconduct.
“Unclear or missing records of how the money was used can also lead to disciplinary or criminal action.”
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