Lede

Parliament EFF Sparks intensified its scrutiny of alleged SAPS corruption, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) taking a frontline role during an oversight session at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. EFF Commander Julius Malema and party MP Leigh-Ann Mathys were present as SAPS Chief Financial Officer Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane responded to claims made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The commissioner previously accused national SAPS leadership of financial misconduct, triggering one of the most significant policing oversight interventions of the year.

What Happened

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) held the inquiry inside Kgosi Mampuru Prison to accommodate sensitive documentation and ensure tight security. The session focused on financial discrepancies flagged by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi, who accused certain national SAPS officials of interfering with provincial budgets, redirecting funds without proper authorisation, and awarding contracts through irregular procurement methods.

EFF leaders attended to observe proceedings and press for transparency. Their presence underscored the political urgency of the matter, especially as corruption claims within SAPS continue to erode public trust.

Committee members challenged Lt Gen Dimpane on several issues:

• Why key procurement decisions lacked detailed audit trails
  
• How budget reallocations were approved
  
• Whether provincial spending requests were improperly blocked
  
• The extent of oversight failures in SAPS supply-chain management
  
• Discrepancies in internal communication between headquarters and provinces
  

The hearing revealed heightened tension within SAPS leadership, with conflicting narratives emerging between national and provincial authorities.

Official Statements

SAPS CFO Defends Financial Oversight

Lt Gen Dimpane maintained that SAPS financial management is governed by strict protocols. She clarified that internal audit units monitor transactions and escalate concerns for disciplinary action where necessary.

She told Parliament:

“Every expenditure follows a controlled approval process. If irregularities are detected, SAPS initiates internal reviews in accordance with Treasury regulations.”

Dimpane acknowledged systemic challenges but insisted there is no deliberate attempt to conceal wrongdoing.

EFF Pushes for Deeper Investigation

Julius Malema emphasised that Parliament cannot ignore warnings from a senior police commissioner responsible for an entire province.

Malema said:

“When someone of Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s rank raises corruption concerns, the nation must listen. SAPS leadership cannot simply dismiss these allegations.”

EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys pressed SAPS for documentation supporting disputed expenses, arguing that incomplete audit records raise serious red flags.

Mkhwanazi’s Allegations Remain at the Centre

Although absent from the session, Lt Gen Mkhwanazi remains the pivotal figure in the unfolding inquiry. His claims include accusations of interference in operational budgeting and irregular manipulation of procurement systems. He will deliver his testimony in a scheduled follow-up hearing expected to draw national attention.

On Social Media

The inquiry attracted mass engagement across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Hashtags such as #SAPS, #EFF, #Mkhwanazi, and #CorruptionProbe trended as updates were shared in real time.

Public Outrage Over SAPS Leadership

Many users expressed frustration that SAPS — the institution responsible for maintaining national security — is itself under scrutiny for financial mismanagement.

One widely shared post read:

“Corruption inside SAPS weakens the fight against crime. Parliament must push harder for answers.”

Praise for Whistle-Blowing Commissioner

A significant portion of online commentary supported Lt Gen Mkhwanazi for taking a public stand, with some calling him “one of the few honest leaders left in policing.”

Another trending comment stated:

“If Mkhwanazi didn’t speak up, none of this would be exposed. South Africa needs more leaders like him.”

Mixed Response to EFF Involvement

EFF supporters celebrated the party’s presence at the inquiry, while critics suggested it was a political strategy ahead of national elections. Regardless, the EFF’s participation ensured high visibility and media coverage.

Internal SAPS Tensions Intensify

The session exposed sharp divisions within SAPS, with national and provincial leaders offering contrasting interpretations of financial decisions.

Leadership Divide Widens

According to documents presented to Scopa, communication between SAPS headquarters and the KwaZulu-Natal command appears inconsistent. MPs noted that versions of events provided by provincial officials differ significantly from those presented by national leadership.

Security analysts warn that such fragmentation undermines SAPS operational integrity.

Operational Consequences Loom

Internal dysfunction can affect policing outcomes in several ways:

• Delayed equipment procurement
  
• Misaligned resource deployment
  
• Disruption of intelligence-sharing networks
  
• Reduced responsiveness to crime hotspots
  

Experts say that unresolved leadership disputes could weaken SAPS performance at a time when crime levels demand unified command.

Financial Oversight Under the Microscope

Scopa members raised concerns about SAPS’ ability to comply with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Documents supplied by SAPS revealed gaps in record-keeping, with some procurement bundles missing essential approval documents or verification signatures.

Key Financial Issues Highlighted

• Contracts awarded without sufficient justification
  
• Inconsistent procurement documentation
  
• Poor reconciliation of provincial budgets
  
• Delayed reporting of irregular expenditure
  
• Weak enforcement of disciplinary procedures
  

MPs stressed that procurement irregularities within SAPS are especially serious, given the department’s large annual budget and vital public safety mandate.

Treasury May Step In

If Parliament finds substantial evidence of mismanagement, the National Treasury could intervene by:

• Issuing compliance directives
  
• Restricting procurement powers
  
• Ordering a forensic financial audit
  
• Recommending leadership changes
  

Such interventions would indicate a major governance failure within SAPS.

Political Stakes

The inquiry has quickly evolved into a major political flashpoint, drawing scrutiny from across Parliament and reshaping debates about oversight within South Africa’s security institutions. The EFF’s assertive involvement has amplified pressure on SAPS leadership, while also placing the ANC government under a sharper accountability spotlight.

EFF Positions Itself as Lead Watchdog

For the EFF, the investigation presents a strategic opportunity to reinforce its anti-corruption narrative. By appearing at hearings, questioning SAPS management, and demanding transparency, the party is framing itself as the political force pushing hardest for clean governance.

Analysts note that this aligns with the EFF’s broader strategy: use high-profile cases to demonstrate vigilance over state institutions, especially those that influence national stability and public trust.

ANC Forced Into a Defensive Posture

The ANC, as the governing party, finds itself navigating a difficult balancing act. It must defend SAPS structures while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. Critics argue that any leadership failures uncovered during the inquiry could fuel long-standing debates over governance, cadre deployment, and the state’s capacity to maintain effective policing.

The ANC has emphasised that the inquiry must follow due process, signalling caution while hoping to prevent political fallout before findings are finalised.

SAPS Leadership Under Increasing Pressure

Internally, the allegations have deepened rifts within SAPS leadership. The tension between national command and provincial structures has become more visible, raising concerns about whether power struggles are obstructing operational efficiency.

Some officers believe Mkhwanazi’s claims reflect deeper frustrations about national decision-making processes. Others argue that public disagreements between senior officials weaken SAPS credibility and could affect morale within the ranks.

Broader Concerns About State Institutions

Beyond party politics, the inquiry highlights a fundamental issue: public trust in state institutions. South Africans already express significant frustration with crime levels and corruption across government entities. For many, allegations of irregular spending within SAPS feel like a direct contradiction to the service’s mandate to enforce the law.

Civil society groups warn that unless the inquiry leads to meaningful reforms, SAPS risks further reputational damage — complicating efforts to fight organised crime, corruption, and violent offenses across the country.

What Happens Next

With the initial round of testimony complete, Parliament will now intensify its review of SAPS financial management. Scopa has requested additional documentation from SAPS headquarters, including procurement contracts, internal audit reports, and correspondence linked to disputed expenditure.

Key Steps Ahead

Over the coming weeks, lawmakers will move through several stages of the inquiry:

• Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will deliver a full testimony, providing detailed accounts of the alleged wrongdoing.
  
• Scopa will review procurement files tied to equipment purchases, emergency contracts, and tenders flagged as irregular.
  
• Interviews with SAPS supply-chain managers will follow to determine who authorised specific transactions.
  
• Treasury may be called to assess whether SAPS complied with PFMA requirements.
  
• Forensic auditors may assist Parliament in analysing high-risk financial data.
  

MPs are also expected to evaluate whether the investigation should be expanded into a formal corruption probe involving the Hawks or the Special Investigating Unit.

Growing Expectations for Accountability

Political analysts expect the inquiry to gather momentum as new documents and testimonies emerge. The outcome could influence:

• Leadership stability within SAPS
  
• Future policing budgets
  
• Parliament’s oversight approach to security institutions
  
• Broader reforms in financial control systems
  

As the inquiry intensifies, public attention is likely to increase, especially once Mkhwanazi presents his full evidence.