Former SAPS commissioner Phahlane claims his tenure was marred by political interference

Former SAPS acting national commissioner Khomotso Phahlane says he is a victim of political interference within the SAPS. “I am an example of political interference. What happened on 1 June 2017 was political interference.” That was a response from former acting National Police CommissionerKhomotso Phahlaneclaiming that there was political interference when his tenure ended in June 2017.

Phahlane was fielding questions from theparliamentary committee probing alleged political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS). parliamentary committee probing alleged political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS). He appeared before the ad hoc committee on Thursday after forensic investigatorPaul O’Sullivanabruptly left proceedings to catch a flight before completing his testimony.

The committee is investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner. Responding to questions from African National Congress (ANC) MP Thokozile Sokhanyile about alleged political interference within SAPS, Phahlane said the law was clear on who holds appointment powers.