Former Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane has told a parliamentary committee that he was once called to Cape Town by former Police Minister Fikile Mbalula and asked to step down from his role because of bad media reports about him.
Phahlane shared this information while speaking to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee. The committee is looking into leadership, decision-making, and accountability within the South African Police Service. The aim is to understand how senior decisions were taken and whether proper processes were followed.
He explained that he received a phone call from Mbalula and was told to travel to Cape Town for an urgent meeting. After arriving, he waited for several hours before being called in. The meeting itself was very short and did not go into much detail.
Phahlane told the committee that he was informed the media coverage around his name was negative and that this was harming the image of the police. Because of this, he was asked to step aside from his position. He said this request was not based on any completed investigation or official finding against him.
At the time, there was no disciplinary case that had been finalised. He had not been found guilty of any wrongdoing. He said the decision seemed to be based only on public pressure and what was being reported in the media, not on facts that had been tested through proper processes.
Phahlane also said he was not given a fair chance to explain himself or respond fully to the claims made against him. There was no serious discussion about the issues involved. The focus appeared to be on protecting the public image of the police rather than following clear procedures.
Members of the committee asked whether he felt the request was unfair. In response, Phahlane said the situation showed how senior police leaders could be affected by political influence and media stories. He said this raised concerns about fairness and independence in police leadership.
He added that the experience had a serious effect on his career and personal reputation. He told the committee that there should be stronger rules to protect senior officials from being removed without clear legal reasons. The committee is expected to produce a report with recommendations to improve accountability and protect the integrity of the police service.
