Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Daphney Semakaleng Manamela has directly implicated Kaizer Chiefs boss Bobby Motaung in alleged corruption and police operations interference.
If proven, her explosive corruption claims could rattle public trust in South Africa’s law enforcement leadership.
At an impromptu Sunday media briefing, Manamela alleged that senior SAPS figures bowed to pressure to block her return to office. She described a coordinated effort involving top officials and politically connected individuals.
The core of her accusation is that Major General Moukangwe confessed that Motaung paid him and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola an R5 million payoff to keep Manamela out of her post. According to Manamela, the Kaizer Chiefs boss aimed to stop the reopening of sensitive dockets tied to the murder of former Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala.
Manamela also accused Masemola of sidelining her operationally, saying he repeatedly refused to meet her despite her many requests, effectively blocking her from doing her job.
She said that on 4 February 2025, Moukangwe allegedly confessed that R5 million was paid to him and Masemola by a businessman named Bobby Mosiane Motaung to ensure that she does not return to work. She added that if she returns, the case dockets will be reopened and arrests will be made, as those involved are allegedly responsible for Mohlala’s death.
Manamela said the exchange of money allegedly took place during January 2025 in Pretoria. Moukangwe also said he was relieved because Masemola is part of the plan and he is sure that Manamela would never return.
These allegations surface as the Madlanga Commission, a formal inquiry into SAPS interference, moves into its final phase. President Cyril Ramaphosa set up the commission following explosive revelations by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July 2025.
Manamela also accused former police minister Bheki Cele of trying to exert direct influence over politically sensitive investigations, including cases linked to killings in Mpumalanga. She described Cele’s appetite for controlling operational decisions, especially in politically sensitive cases, and said this included pressure to arrest a former CoGTA MEC during the ANC’s January 8 statement event in 2024.
However, Manamela’s own credibility faces questions. She remains suspended and faces ongoing internal probes into allegations ranging from maladministration to abuse of power. A senior officer under scrutiny is now levelling explosive charges against the system investigating her.
So far, no court has tested these allegations, and Parliament has not confirmed them either.
As of Sunday afternoon, Bobby Motaung, Fannie Masemola and Bheki Cele had not issued formal responses. For now, these remain allegations that add to a deepening picture of SAPS interference, factional influence and possible corruption at the top levels of policing.
