Masemola off the hook? – NPA slams ‘false arrest’ claims

Masemola

Cape Town – The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has reportedly denied reports that it is seeking an arrest warrant for National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

According to The Citizen, this follows media claims that Masemola may soon be arrested in connection with the irregular procurement of Crime Intelligence buildings worth over R120 million.

The speculation comes amid an ongoing investigation into the misuse of the Crime Intelligence secret service account — a slush fund of over R600 million — and follows the recent arrest of Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and several high-ranking SAPS officials on charges of corruption and fraud.

Khumalo was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and granted bail over a R45 million scandal involving property purchases made without ministerial approval.

Although four senior sources reportedly told City Press that Masemola could be arrested soon, IDAC has firmly denied any current steps to secure a warrant.

“We do not comment on matters under investigation. IDAC is not in the process of getting a warrant of arrest for the national police commissioner,” The Citizen quoted IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame as saying.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s office also condemned the speculation, warning it could destabilise SAPS operations.

“We plead with the media to avoid any speculation on this as speculation of this nature has an adverse impact on the named person and also has an effect of destabilising the work of the South African Police Service,” Mchunu’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi said.

Masemola, if arrested, would become the latest high-profile figure implicated in what appears to be a widespread corruption network within the police force.

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