The Presidency has firmly dismissed reports claiming that President Cyril Ramaphosa personally authorised the deployment of specialised South African Police Service (SAPS) units to certain areas, including Richards Bay Minerals, describing the rumours as “false and misleading.”
The clarification comes after widespread speculation circulated online and in some media spaces suggesting that the President had instructed the SAPS Special Task Force and the National Intervention Unit to be deployed to manage tensions and criminal activity in the Richards Bay Minerals zone. The reports triggered confusion and concern among the public, prompting calls for an official response.
In a strongly worded statement, the Presidency emphasised that the President has no legal authority to deploy such specialised police units.
.“The President is not responsible for the authorisation of the deployment of the SAPS Special Task Force or the National Intervention Unit,” the statement read.
The Presidency further clarified that operational decisions involving the deployment of elite policing units fall strictly under the mandate of the National Commissioner of the SAPS, who has full authority to assess threats and assign specialised teams where required.
“I have consequently not authorised any deployment of these teams, either to Richards Bay Minerals or to any other place,” the statement added.
Public Reaction and Context
The rumours emerged in the wake of concerns over safety and alleged criminal activity in and around Richards Bay Minerals, a strategic mining hub in KwaZulu-Natal. The claims suggested direct presidential interference in operational policing matters—claims the Presidency has now labelled as unfounded.
Analysts believe the Presidency’s swift response was necessary to prevent misinformation from damaging public trust or creating the impression of executive overreach in policing matters.
Affirming Police Independence
The Presidency said its intervention aims to maintain transparency regarding the separation of powers within the SAPS structure.
It reiterated that decisions regarding deployments are based on internal operational assessments and security intelligence, not on presidential instruction.
The latest clarification is seen as an effort to uphold institutional processes and protect the integrity of both the Presidency and the police service, ensuring the public understands the legal frameworks guiding law enforcement operations in South Africa.
The SAPS National Commissioner has not released a statement on the matter, but insiders indicate that the clarification was essential to prevent further distortion of facts and to ensure that policing operations remain insulated from political interference.
