Lt-Gen Daphney Semakaleng Manamela appeared before the Madlanga Commission on April 18 to provide a sworn affidavit regarding corruption allegations [1, 2].
The testimony is critical as it involves the suspected misuse of public funds by a high-ranking police official, a matter that tests the integrity of law enforcement in South Africa.
Manamela, the suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, faced the Board of Inquiry to address claims that she misused state funds for personal gain [1, 2]. The commission is investigating allegations that she directed police station commanders to spend approximately 2 million rand [1] on personal furniture and appliances in 2021 [1].
During the proceedings, Manamela challenged the motives behind her suspension. "I was removed to protect corrupt cops," she said [3].
Beyond the misappropriation of furniture funds, the commissioner is linked to a separate bribery allegation. Manamela has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to direct the Madlanga Commission and a parliamentary ad-hoc committee to investigate an alleged R5 million bribery plot [4].
The commission continues to demand evidence and documentation to verify these competing claims. While the state focuses on the 2 million rand [1] spent on home goods, Manamela maintains that her removal was a strategic move to shield other corrupt officers from scrutiny [3].
This appearance marks a significant step in the inquiry's effort to determine whether the commissioner abused her authority or if she is a whistleblower being targeted by colleagues within the police force [1, 2].
“"I was removed to protect corrupt cops."”
This case highlights the internal friction within South Africa's police leadership, where allegations of financial misconduct are intertwined with claims of systemic corruption. The outcome of the Madlanga Commission will determine if the misappropriation of state funds was an isolated act of greed or part of a larger effort to purge officers who expose institutional graft.
