Lede
The Economic Freedom Fighters EFF Pushes intensified parliamentary oversight efforts on Tuesday as leaders Julius Malema and Leigh-Ann Mathys joined an inquiry into alleged SAPS corruption at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. The session focused on claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused the national SAPS structure of financial misconduct and irregular spending. SAPS Chief Financial Officer Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane appeared before the committee to answer questions on the allegations.
What Happened
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) held a special oversight session inside Kgosi Mampuru Prison, a rare but symbolic venue meant to stress the seriousness of the inquiry. The hearing aimed to scrutinise allegations that SAPS leadership approved questionable procurement deals, mishandled budgets, and ignored internal financial controls.
EFF leaders attended in person, signalling heightened political interest in the matter. They questioned how funds were allocated within SAPS, why certain procurement decisions bypassed standard processes, and whether there was deliberate interference in budget management at provincial level.
Key allegations brought forward by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi include:
- Procurement contracts issued without required approvals
- Budget authorisations overridden by national officials
- Unexplained spending in high-priority divisions
- Possible manipulation of financial controls
- Disputes between national and provincial command structures
Scopa members sought clarity from Lt Gen Dimpane on which systems were followed, who authorised spending decisions, and whether internal audits identified any wrongdoing.
Official Statements
SAPS CFO Responds
Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane defended SAPS financial processes, rejecting suggestions that the police service deliberately concealed irregularities.
She told lawmakers:
“All financial transactions follow established controls. If discrepancies arise, they are escalated through our internal audit system for verification.”
Dimpane acknowledged ongoing challenges in enforcing compliance across multiple provinces but insisted SAPS is strengthening oversight mechanisms.
EFF Says Inquiry Must Go Deep
EFF Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema said the party expects full transparency from SAPS, noting that allegations from a senior commissioner like Mkhwanazi cannot be ignored.
Malema stated:
“If a top provincial commissioner raises the alarm about corruption, Parliament must interrogate those claims thoroughly.”
EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys, who has an accounting background, emphasised the need for a forensic review:
“The documents and testimony presented today raise red flags. Proper accountability requires detailed investigation into SAPS financial systems.”
Mkhwanazi’s Position
Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who sparked the inquiry, has maintained that his concerns were raised through the proper channels but were not resolved, leading him to speak publicly. He is expected to testify in a future session.
On Social Media
The inquiry dominated South African conversation on X (formerly Twitter), with hashtags #SAPS, #EFF, #Mkhwanazi, and #Scopa trending throughout the day.
Public Concern Over SAPS Leadership
Many users expressed frustration about recurrent corruption allegations within state institutions, saying SAPS cannot effectively fight crime if its internal systems are compromised.
One post that gained traction said:
“How can SAPS clean up the streets if it can’t clean up its own finances?”
Praise for Mkhwanazi
Supporters applauded the KZN commissioner for speaking out, describing him as a “rare voice of integrity” within the police service.
Another user wrote:
“Mkhwanazi is doing what many fear to do. Exposing corruption is dangerous but necessary.”
Mixed Views on EFF Involvement
Some praised the EFF for applying pressure on SAPS leadership, while others accused the party of using the inquiry for political gain.
Overall, the hearing sparked thousands of reposts, comments, and debates across platforms.
Impact on SAPS and Governance
The inquiry has placed SAPS under national scrutiny at a time when public trust in policing remains fragile. Analysts say the case highlights deeper issues within SAPS, particularly divisions between national headquarters and provincial leadership.
Possible Effects on SAPS Operations
Internal conflict often slows operational decision-making. Experts warn it could impact:
- Crime intelligence coordination
- Resource distribution across provinces
- Emergency procurement operations
- Leadership stability within SAPS
If irregularities are proven, senior officials could face:
- Disciplinary hearings
- Suspensions
- Internal restructuring
- External investigations
Financial Implications
SAPS handles billions in public funds annually. Parliamentary committees stressed that any mismanagement — even at a technical level — threatens national policing efficiency.
Concerns raised include:
- Weak procurement oversight
- Inadequate budget monitoring
- Delayed reporting of irregular expenditure
- Limited accountability in contract approvals
Treasury regulations require strict documentation for all SAPS expenditures — a point repeatedly emphasised by Scopa members.
Political Stakes
The inquiry has quickly become a politically sensitive issue, drawing attention from across the spectrum as parties seek to position themselves on matters of state accountability and public trust. The EFF’s visible involvement has placed additional pressure on both SAPS leadership and the governing ANC, highlighting broader debates around oversight, corruption, and the integrity of public institutions.
EFF Strengthens Its Anti-Corruption Narrative
For the EFF, the inquiry provides an opportunity to reinforce its image as a watchdog against government failures. By showing up at the hearings and pushing for transparency, the party is leveraging the moment to portray itself as a defender of clean governance, especially within the criminal justice system.
Political analysts say this forms part of the EFF’s broader strategy to win public confidence by highlighting gaps in state oversight and positioning itself as a corrective force.
ANC Faces Tough Questions
The ruling ANC finds itself in a delicate position. With SAPS falling under the broader security cluster, the accusations of mismanagement raise difficult questions about the party’s governance track record. Internal critics and opposition parties are likely to use the inquiry’s findings to challenge the ANC’s credibility on crime prevention, fiscal discipline, and leadership appointments.
The ANC has attempted to strike a balanced tone — acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations while defending SAPS structures until the inquiry is complete.
Tensions Within SAPS Leadership
The inquiry has also exposed growing friction within SAPS itself. Mkhwanazi’s claims suggest a disconnect between provincial and national leadership, raising concerns about whether internal politics are influencing operational decisions and financial controls.
Police governance experts warn that unresolved tension at senior levels could weaken command stability and affect service delivery nationwide.
Broader National Implications
Beyond party politics, the investigation holds significance for national confidence in law enforcement. South Africans increasingly demand clearer accountability from public institutions, and the inquiry’s outcomes may influence future policing reforms, budget oversight, and anti-corruption frameworks.
What Happens Next
Now that the initial hearings have concluded, Parliament is preparing the next stage of its inquiry. The committee will examine additional documentation submitted by SAPS, including procurement files, internal correspondence, and audit reports linked to the allegations.
Upcoming steps include:
- Summoning Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for a full in-person testimony
- Conducting a deeper review of disputed financial transactions
- Interviewing national SAPS managers responsible for procurement
- Requesting further evidence from whistle-blowers
- Coordinating with Treasury officials to assess compliance failures
Scopa is expected to call for more technical experts — including forensic auditors — to assist in evaluating complex financial data.
The inquiry is likely to span several weeks, with Parliament planning follow-up visits to SAPS headquarters and additional oversight sessions at Kgosi Mampuru and other relevant locations.
Political observers believe the process will intensify as more information comes to light. Depending on what the investigation uncovers, outcomes could include disciplinary actions, restructuring within SAPS leadership, or even criminal referrals to independent authorities.
