Johannesburg – The Labour Appeal Court has upheld the 2020 dismissal of former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, dealing a major setback to his bid for reinstatement.
Judge Portia Nkutha-Nkontwana delivered the majority ruling on Thursday, dismissing the appeal with no order as to costs, despite differing reasoning among judges.
“The following order reflects the unanimous outcome of this court, notwithstanding the difference in reasoning. The appeal is dismissed with no order as to costs,” Nkutha-Nkontwana said.
[BREAKING NEWS] Labour Appeals Court upholds former Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane’s 2020 dismissal. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/DeWhWKFk2r
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 5, 2026
Phahlane served as acting commissioner from October 2015 to June 2017, when he stepped aside amid probes. He faced fraud and corruption charges after his February 2018 arrest, with his SAPS employment ending in July 2020.
The Labour Court rejected his unfair dismissal claim in 2023, ruling SAPS acted lawfully due to his violation of the Public Finance Management Act during his forensic services tenure. This stemmed from a botched R46-million deal for 360-degree panoramic cameras, causing R24.4 million in fruitless expenditure.
Phahlane appealed in September 2025; the case was heard on 16 December.
The Labour Appeals Court has upheld former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane’s 2020 dismissal.
Phahlane served as acting national police commissioner from October 2015 until June 2017, when he was asked to step aside and was later arrested and charged… pic.twitter.com/yogwb0WJsj
— CapricornFM News (@CapricornFMNews) February 5, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
