By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, is facing legal challenges in a court proceedings alongside businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 12 others that are accused have created a dark cloud over South Africa’s law enforcement and has cast doubt over the credibility of the South African police force.
Masemola has been charged with four counts of violating the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) during a brief appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The case has been rescheduled for the 13th of May, where he will appear with his co-accused. PFMA is a legislation that is aimed at modernising financial management in the public sector, ensuring efficiency, accountability and transparency.
This legislation also aims at managing revenues, expenditures, assets and liabilities through national and provincial departments. A part of what Masemola is being accused of is granting Matlala a R360 million tender and is being accused of failing in his duty as a SAPS accounting officer.
“This is a defining moment for the organisation as a whole. It is a moment of truth. It is a test for our institutional integrity” said National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. “It is a test on our commitment to accountability and the rule of law. As an organisation, we have always stood for the principle that no one is above the law” said Mathe, adding that the SAPS should not be defensive but accountable.
“We have full confidence in the judiciary, and we are hoping this process will uncover the truth in relation to this tender. All indications are that Cat Matlala shouldn’t have been awarded that tender” added Mathe.
She also noted that there is no indication that Masemola has any intention of stepping down from his role as National Commissioner.
Masemola has maintained his innocence after making his appearance in court on Tuesday; “I did what I was supposed to do. I stopped the contract…I don’t think one should be here today; we should stop fighting organised crime as a group, as a joined force, but things do happen, so here I am” said Masemola in his court appearance.
Masemola has stated that he does not understand why he has been grouped with the 12 people accused in corruption charges, “I am not charged with corruption, but I guess one doesn’t have a choice” he added.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago has noted that they have built a strong case against Masemola and DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis is calling for Masemola’s suspension and for the appointment of a new commissioner under section 9 of the SAPS act.