The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has stated that it is not currently seeking an arrest warrant for National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
Reports had suggested that Masemola could face arrest over the alleged irregular procurement of Crime Intelligence buildings worth over R120 million. If arrested, he would join Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and seven others being investigated for misuse of the Crime Intelligence secret service account.
IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame told iReport South Africa that they do not comment on ongoing investigations and confirmed no warrant was being pursued for Masemola.
The secret service account, which receives over R600 million annually, is meant to pay police informants but has faced scrutiny due to lack of oversight in spending.
Khumalo was arrested last week at OR Tambo International Airport following an investigation into the unauthorized purchase of two properties—a R22.7 million hotel in Pretoria and a R22.8 million commercial building in Durban. He was granted R10,000 bail.
Meanwhile, iReport South Africa reported that sources claim Masemola’s arrest is imminent, with charges already prepared. A source stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa had been briefed on the matter, and an arrest warrant application was ready for court approval.
Inspector-General of Intelligence Imtiaz Fazel reportedly recommended criminal charges against those involved in the property deals, including Masemola.
Khumalo and six others—including senior Crime Intelligence officials—face charges of corruption and fraud. Their case highlights broader corruption concerns within the police force, following recent arrests of officers in Gauteng for crimes ranging from hijacking to syndicate involvement.