‘I was removed to protect corrupt cops,’ suspended Mpumalanga commissioner claims

The SAPS will investigate serious allegations made by suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Lt-Gen Daphney Manamela, including claims that national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola is protecting corrupt officers. Speaking to the SABC, police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS will first seek full details of the allegations before determining a way forward. “We will consult the general; we will consult internally, obviously, with our legal department and so on.

But most importantly, we need to then get hold of the details from the general so that all those allegations must be investigated so that we discover the truth, and if there’s anything wrong, then decisive action might be [taken] against those accused,” said Mathe. Manamela made the claims during a media briefing in Mbombela on Sunday, where she alleged she had been sidelined for acting against corruption in the police. She claimed her suspension came while she was taking action against officers allegedly involved in extortion and corruption and said attempts to seek intervention from Masemola were unsuccessful.

She said Cele had, during the ANC’s January 8 celebrations in 2024, pushed for the arrest of a former Mpumalanga MEC without evidence and became upset when she did not comply. She further alleged Cele’s interference in the Hillary Gardee murder case. Mathe said the allegations are being taken seriously but must be properly tested through formal processes.

[paywall]

“We have been following the press briefing, and the general is making serious allegations that cannot be taken lightly and ignored,” she said. “Let’s first state that any allegations of misconduct, wrongdoing, interference with a criminal or political or any organisational failure are treated by the SAPS with the utmost seriousness, irrespective of the rank or position of those involved.” She added that SAPS would rely on formal investigative channels before making further pronouncements.

[/paywall]