Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, investigating allegations of corruption and political interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS) made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, continues its hearings on Thursday.

The committee is set to continue hearing oral submissions and recommendations from members of the public and is expected to question various individuals thoroughly.

On Wednesday, Tiyani Hlungwani, a former Section Head of Finance and Administration Services at SAPS, provided testimony detailing his involvement in financial irregularities within the division, including the alleged misuse of the Secret Service Account, also known as the “slush fund.”

Hlungwani explained his role in managing the Secret Service Account and revealed his struggles with obtaining security clearance for his position.

Despite applying for clearance and passing all the necessary stages, Hlungwani disclosed that his security clearance was never officially granted, even though it had been recommended to senior officials within SAPS.

“I was appointed without the security clearance. I applied for it and passed all the stages, but I was never formally granted clearance,” Hlungwani told the committee.

He further explained that security clearance is mandatory for senior police officers, particularly those dealing with sensitive financial matters like the Secret Service Account.

“Security clearance is a requirement for every senior member, especially for those dealing with financial matters like the Secret Service Account. It was a major oversight that I was not granted it,” Hlungwani said.

The crux of his testimony focused on his refusal to process a fraudulent 45 million rand payment for a “grabber machine,” allegedly linked to the ANC’s 2017 Nasrec conference.

Hlungwani described a meeting at the Courtyard Hotel in Pretoria, where he was instructed by then National Commissioner Khehla Sithole, along with Generals Ngcobo and Dumisani Khumalo, to facilitate the transaction.

“I was asked to process the payment for the grabber machine, but it was grossly overpriced, and the transaction seemed fraudulent,” Hlungwani said.

“Despite my objections, General Sithole insisted the payment be made. I could not allow that to happen.”

He continued, stating that he and his colleague, Brigadier Dennis Chili, both refused to approve the payment.

“The pressure was too much. We went to see Brigadier Dennis Chili, and we both agreed we had to report this to IPID. We could not be part of this unlawful transaction,” Hlungwani said.

The payment was ultimately halted after Hlungwani and Chili reported the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

“I reported it to IPID, and they acted swiftly to stop the transaction,” Hlungwani said. “IPID was investigating other matters within Crime Intelligence at the time and was the most reliable body to stop this.”

At the time, Robert McBride was the Executive Director of IPID and was instrumental in leading investigations into police misconduct, including the Crime Intelligence corruption that Hlungwani raised.

In his testimony, Hlungwani also accused senior SAPS officers of being involved in widespread corruption within Crime Intelligence.

He named Lieutenant General Khumalo and General Ngcobo, stating that they were part of a system where cronyism, political interference, and financial mismanagement thrived.

“This corruption was not about one individual but about the system and how people were appointed,” Hlungwani said .

He further explained that, following his refusal to authorize the transaction, his career was significantly impacted.

“I was transferred to a non-existent position, and later dismissed for being absent from work for over a month,” Hlungwani said. “My removal had everything to do with my refusal to engage in corruption.”

Hlungwani also provided evidence of what he described as “judicial corruption and misconduct,” alleging the involvement of two judges in corrupt activities surrounding the 2017 ANC conference.

However, he maintained that the issue was less about individual wrongdoing and more about the broader systemic problems within Crime Intelligence. “It’s about how people are appointed to these positions of power,” he argued.

“The system itself needs to change for the betterment of South Africa.”

Hlungwani urged the committee to focus on reforming Crime Intelligence, particularly its recruitment processes and financial oversight.

“There must be accountability at the highest levels, especially in how senior officials are appointed and how funds are managed,” he said.

“The political interference in these processes has been detrimental to the integrity of the South African Police Service.”

The committee is expected to hear further submissions from other witnesses, including Melusi Mlandu. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics 

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