WATCH | Ad Hoc Committee hears testimony from SAPS chief financial officer
Under tight security, the Ad Hoc Committee investigating claims of crime syndicate infiltration within the police service is today hearing evidence from SAPS’ Chief Financial Officer, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.
The hearing is scheduled to take place at Kgoši Mampuru Correctional Centre, where notorious murder suspect Vusimuzi Cat Matlala is currently held.
The committee, established in October, was tasked with probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi has accused senior police officials and certain politicians of undermining police operations and shielding drug cartels and criminal networks linked to politically motivated killings.
On July 6, Mkhwanazi made startling claims that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu disbanded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) on December 31, 2024, to protect Matlala and others with criminal ties.
The committee has announced that the Wednesday session will include testimony from Matlala himself.
Matlala, who has been in custody since his arrest in April, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder.
He is allegedly linked to fraudulent financial transactions at Tembisa Hospital and is accused of orchestrating the attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend, actress Tebogo Thobejane.
Denied bail, Matlala remains in detention awaiting trial.
The allegations place Matlala at the centre of serious concerns about systemic corruption and infiltration within the justice system.
According to testimony by Mkhwanazi, Matlala conspired with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu – currently on special leave – to sabotage the work of the PKTT, the unit dedicated to investigating political killings.
General Dimpane is expected to provide critical financial insights into the alleged corruption networks during Tuesday’s hearing, which marks a crucial step in unraveling the influence of crime syndicates within South Africa’s police service.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
IOL Politics