The South African Police Service (SAPS) has denied knowledge of any arrest warrant for National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, following explosive claims by EFF leader Julius Malema that he faces imminent arrest.
Malema told journalists on Thursday that Masemola should have been detained for allegedly conspiring with Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, the recently arrested Crime Intelligence head facing corruption charges.
“There is a warrant against Masemola,” Malema asserted. “Someone is playing politics with our justice system by delaying his arrest for his dealings with Khumalo.”
The fiery opposition leader tied the alleged warrant to last month’s bombshell allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of political interference.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Matha dismissed the claims: “We’re unaware of any warrant. Mr Malema would need to provide that information.”
The National Prosecuting Authority’s anti-corruption unit also confirmed last month it wasn’t pursuing Masemola’s arrest.
Malema’s allegations center on the R120 million irregular procurement of Crime Intelligence properties. If substantiated, Masemola would join Khumalo and seven others implicated in the looting of the division’s R600 million annual secret service fund – money meant for informant payments to combat organized crime.
The EFF leader vowed to monitor the situation closely, warning against the “abuse of positions” in law enforcement. The claims deepen the crisis engulfing SAPS leadership amid ongoing corruption probes.