Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Lt-Gen Daphney Semakaleng Manamela directly implicated Kaizer Chiefs boss Bobby Motaung in alleged corruption and police operations interference.
If proven, her explosive corruption claims will rattle public trust in South Africa’s law enforcement leadership.
Manamela alleges R5m payoff from Bobby Motaung
At an impromptu Sunday media briefing, Manamela alleged that senior SAPS figures bowed to pressure to block her return to office. She described a coordinated effort involving top officials and politically connected individuals. Her claims follow earlier reports, per our coverage, linking Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to syndicate activity, widening scrutiny of the justice system
The core of her accusation: Major General Moukangwe confessed that Bobby Motaung paid him and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola an R5m payoff to keep Manamela out of her post. According to Manamela, the Kaizer Chiefs boss aimed to stop the reopening of sensitive dockets tied to the murder of former Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala.
Manamela also accused Masemola of sidelining her operationally. She said he repeatedly refused to meet her despite her many requests, effectively blocking her from doing her job.
“On 4 February 2025, Major General Moukangwe allegedly made a confession that an amount of R5 million was paid to him, and National Commissioner General Fanie Masemola by a businessman by the name of Mr Bobby Mosiane Motaung to make sure that the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Manamela, does not return to work. If she does, the case dockets will be reopened and be arrests affected, as they are allegedly responsible for Jimmy Mohlala’s death, ” Manemela said, adding:
“The incident of exchanging money allegedly took place during January 2025 in Pretoria, Montana. Moukangwe also said that he is relieved because the National Commissioner General Masemola is part of the plan. He is sure that Manamela would never return, thus he’s no longer panicking.”
These allegations surface as the Madlanga Commission – a formal inquiry into SAPS interference – moves into its final phase. President Cyril Ramaphosa set up the commission following explosive July 6, 2025 revelations by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Political interference claims widen to Bheki Cele
Manamela did not stop with SAPS leadership. She also accused former police minister Bheki Cele of trying to exert direct influence over politically sensitive investigations, including cases linked to killings in Mpumalanga.
She described Cele’s “appetite” for controlling operational decisions. “He wanted to take over operations, especially in politically sensitive cases,” she said, adding that this included pressure to arrest a former CoGTA MEC during the ANC’s January 8 Statement event in 2024.
These political interference claims echo a wider pattern emerging from recent disclosures and leaks, including reports that a senior official (Senona) admitted to leaking sensitive PKTT investigators’ details, exposing internal breaches within law enforcement ranks.
Mpumalanga police commissioner’s credibility under fire
Politically linked killings have long plagued Mpumalanga, often tied to tender disputes and factional battles. The suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner’s allegations add to that picture, suggesting interference may have extended into handling — or suppressing — key investigations.
But Manamela’s own credibility faces questions. She remains suspended and faces ongoing internal probes into allegations ranging from maladministration to abuse of power. That complicates matters: a senior officer under scrutiny now levels explosive charges against the very system investigating her.
So far, no court has tested these allegations. Parliament has not confirmed them either.
Madlanga Commission holds the key in SAPS interference claims
The claims prompt a key question: Has Manamela formally presented her evidence to the Commission of inquiry into policing and criminal justice failures, notably in Mpumalanga as per her bombshell revelations?
Clause 7 of the Commission’s Terms of Reference empowers the Commission to “consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies and, where appropriate, the Commission must make recommendations regarding the employment status of such officials including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.”
As more government and SAPS officials get fingered, calls for urgency and transparency intensify. The pressure now includes demands for immediate criminal prosecutions from the Madlanga Commission investigation.
No official response from Bobby Motaung, Masemola or Bheki Cele
As of Sunday afternoon, Bobby Motaung, Fannie Masemola and Bheki Cele had not issued formal responses.
For now, these remain allegations. They add to a deepening picture of SAPS interference, factional influence and possible corruption at the top levels of policing.
