Fannie Masemola, police commissioner, reportedly faces arrest for corruption

Although the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) says it cannot discuss any investigations, a message circulated on Whatsapp alleged that Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola could soon face arrest.

The message, which is said to be from sources close to the investigation, alleged that IDAC has obtained a warrant of arrest against Masemola for allegedly abusing slush funds from the secret service account of crime intelligence and purchased two properties in Pretoria and Midrand, without adhering to proper procedures. It has been alleged that Masemola conspired with Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, head of crime intelligence, to acquire the properties.

Last month, EFF leader Julius Malema said a warrant of arrest was issued against Masemola but a press briefing held by KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlamhla Mkhwanazi, who blew the whistle about infiltration within the law enforcement, caused the postponement of the alleged arrest.

Malema added that Masemola conspired with Khumalo, who was arrested for fraud and corruption related to the purchase of a boutique hotel in Pretoria North, reportedly acquired for R22.7 million and a commercial building in Durban, valued at R22.8m.

He said Mkhwanazi’s briefing was a pre-emptive strategy to delay the arrest.

The sources said the warrant of arrest has finally been issued against Masemola and President Cyril Ramaphosa was also briefed about the imminent arrest.

Asked to confirm if the allegations are true, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the directorate cannot comment on Whatsapp messages or discuss any investigations.

“IDAC is not aware of this investigation and even if it was in IDAC’s space we would not comment,” he said. 

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President does not discuss law enforcement operational matters.

Another source close to the situation told Independent Media that the allegations are true and Ramaphosa has given the go ahead.

Acting police minister Professor Firoz Cachalia said he was also not aware of the arrest, adding that IDAC runs its investigations independently and that he appreciates and respects the same.  

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe also said the SAPS was not aware of such allegations, saying questions should be referred to IDAC.

According to the sources, Masemola will be charged with corruption, contravention of the Public Finance Management (PFMA) Act, as well as the contravention of National Treasury regulations.  

“He colluded with Lt General Dumisani Khumalo, Divisional Commissioner Crime Intelligence and approved global deviation without following procurement prescripts and the abuse of Slush Funds from Secret Service Account of Crime Intelligence to acquire the properties,’’ said the sources.

Masemola is facing arrest over the purchase of Veroz Boutique Hotel in Pretoria North valued at R34,400,000, including R4,500,000 transfer costs. 

The hotel has 23 bedrooms and a presidential suite. 

The second property, with 75 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, is the Kyalami Lodge in Midrand. The lodge is valued at R48,250,000, including transfer costs of R8,000,000. 

Both properties were acquired in September last year and were approved by Khumalo.

“Both these procurements were approved by Lt General Khumalo the same day,” said the sources.

An investigation by Independent Media recently revealed that Masemola and Khumalo allegedly received kickbacks related to the intelligence property deals.

Another investigation by the founder of Forensics for Justice, Paul O’Sullivan, found that Masemola was allegedly living beyond his means.

The investigation revealed that Masemola has five properties in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg, while he earns R58,052.11 per month after deductions.

manyane.manyane@inl.co.za