Lede
The Economic Freedom Fighters EFF Probes led a parliamentary oversight visit to Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre on Tuesday, where SAPS Chief Financial Officer Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane testified on allegations of SAPS corruption. The hearing follows explosive claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused senior police structures of financial irregularities. EFF leaders Julius Malema and Leigh-Ann Mathys attended the session, signalling heightened political pressure on SAPS leadership.
What Happened
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) convened a special inquiry at Kgosi Mampuru Prison to interrogate allegations of corruption within the South African Police Service. The session was triggered by statements made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, who raised concerns about questionable procurement, irregular spending, and potential interference in budget processes.
The decision to hold the session inside a correctional facility was symbolic. Officials said the venue emphasised the seriousness of the accusations and allowed for a secure, controlled environment.
EFF’s leadership arrived early to attend the testimony, marking their intention to play an active role in exposing misconduct within SAPS structures. The hearing focused on:
- Irregular procurement linked to SAPS headquarters
- Concerns regarding budget authorisation
- Potential breaches in the financial control chain
- Internal conflicts between provincial and national SAPS management
- Accountability failures reported by whistle-blowers
Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane, as the SAPS CFO, was called to clarify how funds were allocated, monitored, and approved across provinces — particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
Official Statements
During her testimony, Lt Gen Dimpane addressed Mkhwanazi’s allegations directly. She disputed several assertions but acknowledged that SAPS faces ongoing challenges related to compliance and internal control.
She told the committee:
“All expenditure decisions follow established financial procedures. Any deviations or irregularities are subject to internal review and disciplinary processes.”
Dimpane insisted that SAPS had strengthened its auditing and procurement structures, adding that the department is cooperating fully with parliamentary oversight.
EFF leader Julius Malema spoke briefly after the session, saying:
“We are here to ensure that SAPS leadership is held accountable. When a senior commissioner speaks out about corruption, Parliament must take it seriously.”
Leigh-Ann Mathys, known for her financial oversight expertise, said:
“The allegations brought by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi point to potential systemic failures. Transparency is non-negotiable.”
Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, whose claims ignited the inquiry, did not attend Tuesday’s session but is expected to appear before Parliament in a later phase of the investigation.
On Social Media
The hearing drew strong reaction across X (formerly Twitter), with political supporters, police insiders, and civil society groups debating the evidence and the political context.
EFF Supporters Celebrate Oversight Role
Many praised the EFF for attending the session and demanding answers from SAPS leadership.
One widely shared post read:
“EFF continues to expose corruption where it matters — SAPS must be held accountable.”
Public Worries About SAPS Stability
Some users expressed concern that escalating internal disputes could weaken the police service’s ability to address crime.
A security analyst posted:
“When top SAPS officials accuse each other of corruption, the entire policing system is undermined.”
Mixed Views on Mkhwanazi’s Claims
While many praised the KZN police commissioner for speaking out, others questioned whether internal politics influenced his accusations.
The debate trended under hashtags such as:
#SAPS, #EFF, #CorruptionProbe, and #KgosiMampuru.
Political and Institutional Impact
The inquiry highlights deep tensions within SAPS leadership. Analysts say the dispute between Lt Gen Mkhwanazi and national police management reflects broader struggles over authority, resources, and accountability.
Impact on Public Trust
South African residents already express low confidence in law enforcement. Allegations of corruption — especially from a senior provincial commissioner — risk further damaging SAPS credibility.
Possible Administrative Consequences
Depending on what Parliament uncovers, SAPS could face:
- Disciplinary hearings
- Leadership restructuring
- A forensic audit of procurement processes
- A full independent investigation
Treasury may also intervene if irregular expenditure is confirmed.
Implications for Crime-Fighting Capacity
Internal conflict often slows operational decision-making. Analysts warn that divisions within SAPS may hinder the country’s efforts to tackle violent crime, corruption, and organised criminal networks.
Financial and Governance Questions
One of the core concerns raised in Parliament involves how national SAPS allocates budgets to provincial departments.
Key Issues Under Review:
- Why certain procurement decisions bypassed standard procedures
- Whether provincial requests were blocked without explanation
- Whether political pressure influenced contract approvals
- How SAPS handles emergency procurement
- Why whistle-blower reports were not escalated sooner
Scopa members emphasised that SAPS must demonstrate strict compliance with financial legislation, including:
- PFMA (Public Finance Management Act)
- Treasury regulations
- National procurement guidelines
EFF MPs insisted that SAPS cannot continue “business as usual” if allegations prove credible.
What Happens Next
Parliament will continue its inquiry over the coming weeks, calling additional witnesses and reviewing internal SAPS documentation. Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is expected to testify in a high-profile session that may offer clearer insight into the seriousness of his claims.
Key steps ahead include:
- Returning to SAPS headquarters for document verification
- Summoning more senior officials involved in procurement
- Conducting an audit of contested financial transactions
- Assessing whether criminal charges may be warranted
- Determining whether reforms are needed within SAPS leadership
Investigators also plan to analyse inconsistencies between provincial and national financial reports, particularly relating to emergency procurement and equipment orders.
Political observers expect the inquiry to intensify, especially with the EFF taking a prominent oversight role. The outcome could influence SAPS leadership stability and shape future parliamentary oversight of policing structures.
