Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner accuses national chief of protecting corrupt officers
Lt-Gen Daphney Manamela alleged she was sidelined for acting against extortion and corruption within the police service.
Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner accuses national chief of protecting corrupt officers
Lt-Gen Daphney Manamela alleged she was sidelined for acting against extortion and corruption within the police service.
Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Lt-Gen Daphney Manamela accused national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola of protecting corrupt officers and alleged she was suspended while taking action against police involved in extortion and corruption.125 Manamela made the allegations during a media briefing in Mbombela on Sunday.12
Manamela claimed she had unsuccessfully sought intervention from Masemola regarding challenges she faced.5 She alleged that a provincial task team investigating serious cases was disbanded after her suspension and that there was interference in political cases, illegal mining investigations, and kidnapping cases.5
Among the specific allegations, Manamela accused Maj-Gen Botsotso Moukangwe of confessing that he and Masemola received R5 million from football administrator and businessman Bobby Motaung.3 She said the alleged bribe was intended to prevent her return to her position and to halt fraud and corruption cases against Motaung.3 Manamela further alleged a link between Motaung's cases and the murder of Jimmy Mohlala, who had raised concerns about construction of the Mbombela Stadium.3
Manamela also alleged interference by former police minister Bheki Cele.12 She said Cele pushed for the arrest of a former Mpumalanga MEC without evidence during the ANC's January 8 celebrations in 2024 and became upset when she did not comply.12 She further alleged Cele's interference in the Hillary Gardee murder case.12
Police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said the allegations were serious and could not be taken lightly or ignored.34 Mathe said the SAPS would consult with Manamela and their legal department to obtain full details before determining a way forward.12 She said the allegations would be subjected to investigative processes and referred to appropriate units once formally assessed.4 Mathe emphasised that SAPS operational services remained intact and unaffected.4