The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for urgent investigations into the South African Police Service (SAPS) following explosive allegations made by suspended Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Daphney Manamela, who has accused senior police leadership of corruption, political interference and protecting criminal networks.
In a strongly worded statement, the EFF said it was deeply disturbed by the contents of Manamela’s media briefing delivered in Mbombela on Sunday, describing it as a “damning exposé” of a police service allegedly captured by syndicates, corrupt officials and politically connected individuals.
At the centre of the controversy are claims that efforts to establish an effective crime-fighting unit in Mpumalanga were systematically undermined. According to Manamela, a multi-disciplinary Provincial Task Team tasked with investigating serious crimes—including ATM bombings, political killings, business robberies and illegal mining—was repeatedly disbanded during periods of her suspension.
The unit had reportedly handled more than 150 serious cases. However, Manamela alleges that critical case dockets were seized, reassigned or left unattended, resulting in cases being withdrawn, suspects being released, and investigations collapsing.
The EFF said these revelations point to a deliberate effort to weaken law enforcement capacity and allow organised crime to flourish. “This is not administrative failure, but coordinated sabotage of justice,” the party said.
Manamela further alleged that some senior officers controlled hundreds of unresolved dockets, some dating back more than a decade. Instead of being investigated, these cases were allegedly manipulated to create the illusion of progress, while effectively shielding suspects from prosecution.
The EFF also raised alarm over claims of political interference in policing operations. Former Police Minister Bheki Cele was accused of inserting himself into operational matters and attempting to influence sensitive cases. These allegations, if proven, would represent a serious breach of the principle of police independence.
In addition, Manamela accused National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola of failing to act on reports of corruption and, in some instances, shielding implicated officers. She claimed that her attempts to discipline corrupt officials were blocked, her authority undermined, and her reports ignored, ultimately leading to her suspension.
The EFF said it was particularly concerned about allegations that millions of rand may have been paid to ensure Manamela did not return to her post, as her presence posed a threat to individuals implicated in criminal activities. The party described this as evidence of a “criminal enterprise embedded within the state”.
Among the most serious claims are those relating to the murder of Hillary Gardee, daughter of EFF Deputy President Godrich Gardee. According to Manamela, the investigation into Gardee’s killing was deliberately compromised.
A senior police official is alleged to have assisted a key suspect in evading arrest, maintained communication with the suspect and misled investigators. The EFF further claims that even after the suspect was apprehended and confessed, there were attempts within SAPS to weaken the case, including irregular handling of forensic evidence and pressure to close the docket prematurely.
“For the EFF, this confirms that Hillary Gardee was not only a victim of a brutal crime, but also of a justice system that protects perpetrators when it suits powerful interests,” the party said.
EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the allegations highlight a systemic collapse within SAPS that requires urgent intervention.
“These revelations paint a picture of a law enforcement institution that has been hollowed out from within. The level of interference, corruption and protection of criminal elements cannot be allowed to continue unchecked,” Thambo said.
The party has called for Manamela to urgently appear before the Madlanga Commission to give protected testimony under oath. It also demanded an independent review of the Hillary Gardee case and the immediate suspension and investigation of any officials implicated in wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, SAPS, speaking to SABC, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the accusations must be subjected to the necessary investigative processes.
Manamela maintains that her suspension came as she was acting against corruption within the police ranks, including officers allegedly involved in extortion and illegal activities. She also reiterated claims of interference in cases involving illegal mining, kidnappings and politically sensitive investigations.
The unfolding saga has intensified scrutiny on SAPS leadership and raised broader concerns about the integrity of law enforcement in South Africa. With mounting political pressure and public interest, calls for an independent inquiry into the allegations are likely to grow in the coming days.
