Arrest claims linked to police commissioner Masemola

Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is facing possible arrest, which could result in the suspension of several police officials, according to crime analysts.

This comes in the wake of allegations that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) obtained a warrant of arrest against Masemola. 

The alleged arrest is related to abuse of slush funds from the secret service account of crime intelligence. 

It has been alleged that Masemola conspired with Lieutenant-General Duminsa Khumalo, head of crime intelligence, to purchase properties without adhering to proper procedures. 

This involves the purchase of the Veroz Boutique Hotel in Pretoria North and Kyalami Lodge in Midrand. 

Veroz Boutique Hotel, which has 23 bedrooms and a presidential suite, is valued at R43,400,000 and Kyalami Lodge, with 75 bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, is valued at R48,250,000. 

Both properties were acquired in September last year and were allegedly approved by Khumalo, who was arrested for fraud and corruption related to the purchase of a boutique hotel in Pretoria North and a commercial building in Durban.

The properties are valued at R22.7 million and R22.8m, respectively.

Sources said that President Cyril Ramaphosa was briefed and has given the go ahead.

Crime expert and violence monitor, Mary de Haas, said the arrest, if it happens, means more officials could be suspended and arrested. 

De Haas said this could even expose why Khumalo and his co-accused have not been suspended. 

“There are many interesting things to watch out for here. Khumalo and Major-General Philani Lushaba (the chief financial officer), have not been suspended. It will be interesting to see what happens to them,” she said. 

The allegations came after EFF leader Julius Malema last month told journalists that a warrant of arrest was issued against Masemola but a press briefing held by the KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who blew the whistle about infiltration within law enforcement, caused the postponement of the alleged arrest. 

Malema said Masemola conspired with Khumalo to purchase the properties in Pretoria and Durban. 

“There are a lot of imponderables here,” De Haas said.

On Sunday, Masemola said he was not aware of the warrant of arrest, adding that questions should be referred to IDAC. 

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe also said the matter should be discussed with IDAC. 

An IDAC spokesperson on Saturday said the directorate cannot comment on Whatsapp messages or discuss any investigations.

Meanwhile political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu said the arrest will prove Mkhwanazi’s claims that all is not well in the SAPS and a broader criminal justice system. 

“If one were to stretch one's imagination the rot permeates the entire institution of the SAPS and other institutions within the criminal justice system, and I dare say the broader state institutions.

 Another political analyst, Professor Sipho Seepe, said the speculation should be viewed within the context of Mkhwanazi’s claims implicating the entire criminal justice system in the act of possible corruption.

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