Police minister, Senzo Mchunu has cautioned South Africans against speculating over the alleged imminent arrest of National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

This comes after media reports indicated that the commissioner is being sought by law enforcement agencies over his alleged involvement in the alleged looting of the Crime Intelligence secret service account.

Dumisani Khumalo, the head of the Crime Intelligence division within the South African Police Service (Saps) and seven others have been linked to the probe into the alleged looting of the Crime Intelligence secret service account as well as the appointment of 30-year-old Dineo Mokwele to an executive position within Crime Intelligence in April last year.

It is reported that Mokwele was appointed to the position despite her having no policing capabilities, knowledge or skills.

Khumalo and his co-accused, who were arrested on Thursday, are charged with four counts of corruption and fraud were released on bail following their appearance before the Pretoria Magistrates Court.

Khumalo was arrested amid reports by authorities that his arrest comes after an “extensive” investigation into the allegedly unlawful acquisition of two high-value properties.

However, Masemola’s involvement has been denied by the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) which has indicated that it is not in the process of arresting or obtaining an arrest warrant for the National Police Commissioner.

The reports had indicated that Masemola could be arrested for the irregular procurement of crime intelligence buildings worth more than R120 million.

Speaking on Sunday police minister spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi said the Mchunu had noted with concern media reports speculating about an imminent arrest of the National Commissioner of Police.

“As the Ministry of Police, we have not been made aware of such impending arrest. We have also noted the response from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on this speculation. We plead with the media to avoid any speculation on this as speculation of this nature has an adverse impact on the named person and also has an effect of destabilising the work of the South African Police Service,” Mogotsi said.

In the weekend, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said:”We do not comment on matters under investigation. IDAC is not in the process of getting a warrant of arrest for the national police commissioner.”

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

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