Fallout in Mpumalanga Police as Spokesperson Brigadier Mohlala Suspended Amid Corruption Probes

In a move that underscores the ripples of an administrative overhaul within the South African Police Services (SAPS), Mpumalanga's police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala has been suspended. The suspension comes as a direct consequence of Mohlala's actions that are believed to have contravened the instructions of the national commissioner and potentially hindered the course of an internal investigation.

Mohlala's suspension was deemed necessary following an interview on 28 December with Newzroom Afrika in which he publicly defended Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela. Manamela, the Mpumalanga top cop, has been embroiled in allegations including corruption, misuse of funds, and a possible money laundering scheme – a disconcerting reflection on the state of governance within the police ranks. The allegations suggest that Manamela received gifts worth about R2 million and these allegations are under inspection to establish whether she is “fit and proper” for her position.

The root of Mohlala’s suspension stems from a letter by Lieutenant General Lineo Ntshiea, which points to Mohlala undermining the authority of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. He contravened a directive that all communications concerning the inquiry into Manamela's conduct were to come from the national office. The suspension was, according to the letter from Ntshiea, a measure to ensure the integrity of the disciplinary process.

The unfolding scenario has illuminated what has been termed a leadership crisis in the Mpumalanga police, with senior officers purportedly showing disregard for the established chain of command. Moreover, this maelstrom is not only about individual misconduct but seeps into suspicions of politicization within law enforcement, with suggestions of connections to ANC factional battles.

In an area such as Mpumalanga, where police leadership plays a key role in maintaining order, the accusations and subsequent events suggest the presence of deeper factional issues within the ANC’s regional framework. This concern is echoed in a dossier by senior police officers, which ominously refers to unidentified “devils and witches” that are accused of destabilizing the province’s progression.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson, however, remains tight-lipped, referring to this as an internal matter and refraining from airing the institution's issues on public platforms. Despite this, the allegations and responses from various officers indicate a fragmented leadership, one that could potentially affect the governance and security within the province.

This story mirrors South Africa’s ongoing challenge with corruption and the dire need for transparent and accountable leadership. It underscores the intricate intersection between politics and public service, with a crucial reminder that the upholding of law and order begins within the institutions charged with its maintenance.

Despite the tension and the serious accusations leveled, one thing remains clear: Masemola’s high-level investigation signifies an earnest attempt to implement accountability and to broach the no-nonsense approach promised to the South African public regarding corruption and malpractice within the police force.