Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema defended South African Police Service (SAPS) Chief Financial Officer, Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, during a tense parliamentary session held at Kgoši Mampuru Correctional Facility, asserting that she should be permitted to speak without interruption amidst increasing pressure from Members of Parliament.
The parliamentary committee, convened to investigate financial management and procurement irregularities within SAPS, experienced moments of tension as members frequently interrupted while Dimpane endeavoured to elucidate the principal decisions made during her tenure. The Chief Financial Officer was anticipated to elucidate matters concerning supply chain procedures, infrastructure funding allocations, and allegations of financial misappropriation.
Malema, who has often criticised SAPS leadership in the past, adopted an unexpected position by opposing what he characterised as “bullying tactics” employed by certain committee members.
Allow her the opportunity to communicate. You summoned her here to provide an account, so permit her the opportunity to do precisely that,” Malema stated confidently, eliciting murmurs throughout the chamber. He contended that the interrogation procedure must be conducted with fairness and respect, irrespective of the gravity of the accusations.
According to witnesses present at the venue, Dimpane appeared noticeably distressed as the committee demanded detailed explanations regarding expenditures on specific programs and underspending in vital crime-prevention allocations. Several Members of Parliament criticised her for providing “vague and evasive responses,” which led to ongoing interruptions.
Malema, however, maintained that the committee could not anticipate clarity while concurrently silencing the witness.
You cannot call for accountability and simultaneously interrupt her whenever she attempts to provide an explanation. It is preposterous, he stated.
Following Malema’s intervention, the chairperson reinstated order and granted Dimpane supplementary time to respond. She proceeded to delineate several issues impacting SAPS financial management, including delays in procurement approvals, infrastructure backlogs, and what she characterised as “inherited systemic vulnerabilities” within the department.
She asserted that SAPS was implementing measures to strengthen internal controls and to ensure rigorous compliance with Treasury regulations. We are refining procedures and enhancing oversight. She stated, “There is no intention to undermine compliance.”
The session constitutes a component of a comprehensive parliamentary initiative aimed at addressing irregular expenditure within security clusters, in response to recurrent findings by the Auditor-General that underscore deficiencies in SAPS financial governance.
Although Malema’s endorsement of the CFO took some political analysts by surprise, others observed that he has progressively prioritised consistent and transparent oversight over politically motivated confrontations.
The committee is anticipated to persist with its investigation, with additional testimonies from senior police officials scheduled for the upcoming weeks.