MEDIA BRIEFING BY MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER LIEUTENANT GENERAL SEMAKALENG MANAMELA
BY : CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE EDITOR KASiBC_AFRiCA
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes of the extensive and deeply troubling media briefing delivered by Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant- General Semakaleng Manamela, today. This briefing is an account of internal disagreements within the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a damning exposé of a police service that has been systematically captured by criminal syndicates, corrupt officials, and politically connected networks.
Lieutenant-General Manamela outlines how, since at least 2021, attempts to build an effective crime-fighting machinery in Mpumalanga, particularly through the establishment of a multi-disciplinary Provincial Task Team. were deliberately undermined.
This Task Team, which successfully investigated over 150 serious cases including ATM bombings, political killings, business robberies, and illegal mining, was repeatedly disbanded during periods of her suspension. Critical case dockets were forcibly removed from investigators, left to gather dust in provincial offices, or manipulated within the system, resulting in cases being withdrawn, suspects released, and justice denied.
The briefing details how senior officers allegedly seized control of dockets, with some individuals found to be in possession of over 200 unresolved cases dating as far back as 2011. These dockets, instead of being investigated, were allegedly used as instruments of protection for criminals, with fake movements captured on systems to create the illusion of progress. This deliberate collapse of investigative integrity has allowed organised crime to flourish in Mpumalanga with the full knowledge—and in some instances, participation—of senior SAPS leadership.
Equally alarming are revelations of direct political interference in policing operations.
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele is accused of unlawfully inserting himself into operational matters, including attempting to influence politically sensitive cases and even misusing police resources for partisan purposes.
The briefing further alleges that senior police officials maintained close relationships with known criminals, business figures involved in illegal mining, and extortion syndicates, receiving financial benefits and protection in return.
Lieutenant-General Manamela also exposes how efforts to hold corrupt officers accountable were systematically blocked. Her disciplinary powers were stripped, her attempts to escalate corruption to the National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola were ignored, and instead of action being taken against those implicated, she herself was subjected to repeated suspensions. The National Commissioner is accused of shielding implicated individuals, reversing disciplinary processes, and effectively rendering the Provincial Commissioner powerless.
The EFF is further disturbed by allegations of large-scale corruption involving millions of rand, including claims that payments were made to senior officials to ensure that Lieutenant-General Manamela would not return to her position, as her presence threatened to reopen criminal cases implicating powerful individuals. These claims point to a coordinated effort to neutralise ethical leadership within SAPS and protect a criminal enterprise embedded within the state.
Additionally, the briefing highlights the extent to which illegal mining operations, human trafficking networks, and extortion rackets have infiltrated law enforcement.
Senior officers are alleged to have direct ties to these activities, including facilitating the movement of illicit goods, interfering with arrests, and benefiting financially from criminal enterprises. The failure to act on these matters, despite repeated reporting, demonstrates a collapse of accountability at the highest levels.
Within this broader pattern of systemic corruption and interference, the EFF is particularly outraged by the revelations concerning the murder of Hillary Gardee, the daughter of EFF Deputy President Godrich Gardee.
Lieutenant-General Manamela’s briefing alleges that the investigation into Hillary Gardee’s murder was deliberately compromised. A senior police official is accused of assisting a key suspect to evade arrest, maintaining communication with the suspect, and misleading investigators by falsely presenting herself as part of the investigative process. This allowed the suspect to remain at large despite being wanted for a heinous crime.
Further disturbing are claims that when the suspect was eventually apprehended and confessed to the murder, resistance emerged from within SAPS to pursue the case.
Instead of strengthening the investigation, there were attempts to weaken it, including the irregular handling of forensic evidence.
The briefing also alleges that there was pressure to close the docket prematurely, despite the existence of a confession and other leads. This suggests a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice and protect individuals who may be linked to the crime or have an interest in ensuring that the truth does not emerge.
For the EFF, this confirms that Hillary Gardee was not only a victim of a brutal crime, but also of a criminal justice system that actively works to protect perpetrators when it suits powerful interests.
The EFF hails Lieutenant-General Manamela for her bravery in coming forward and calls for her to urgently appear before the Madlanga Commission. The breadth and severity of these allegations require formal, protected testimony under oath, and a fullscale investigation.
The EFF also demands that the Hillary Gardee case be subjected to immediate independent review. All individuals implicated in interfering with the investigation must be suspended and investigated, and any evidence of tampering must result in criminal prosecution.
FREE SUBSCRIPTION WWW.KASIBC.BLOGSPOT.COM
KASiBC_AFRiCA
MAKE_KASi_GREAT
🔥 YOUR ADVERTS 🔥
Promote your Business KASIBC_AFRICA REACH MILLIONS of viewers DAILY!
📲 Advertise With #KasiPeople
No comments:
Post a Comment
KASIPEOPLE