Fannie Masemola Accused Of R5 Million Bribe Involving Bobby Motaung

South Africa’s National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, has been accused of accepting a R5 million bribe in a dramatic escalation of tensions within the South African Police Service.

The explosive claims were made on Sunday by suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Daphney Manamela during a media briefing in Mbombela.

Manamela alleged that the money was paid by businessman and football administrator Bobby Motaung and shared with Major General Botsotso Moukangwe.

Fannie Masemola Alleged Plot to Block Investigations and Reinstatement

According to Manamela, the alleged payment was intended to prevent her reinstatement and halt the reopening of fraud and corruption cases linked to Motaung and the controversial Mbombela Stadium tender.

She further linked the matter to the 2010 murder of whistleblower Jimmy Mohlala, who exposed alleged irregularities surrounding the stadium project.

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Manamela claimed that confessions from Moukangwe supported her allegations, although these claims have not yet been tested in court.

She also alleged that she was sidelined for taking action against corruption within the police, including cases involving extortion and other serious crimes.

SAPS Responds: ‘Serious Allegations Cannot Be Ignored’

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the allegations are being taken seriously and will be formally investigated.

“We will consult the general; we will consult internally, obviously, with our legal department and so on. But most importantly, we need to then get hold of the details from the general so that all those allegations must be investigated so that we discover the truth, and if there’s anything wrong, then decisive action might be [taken] against those accused,” said Mathe.

She added: “We have been following the press briefing, and the general is making serious allegations that cannot be taken lightly and ignored.”

Claims of Political Interference and Internal Breakdown

Manamela also accused former police minister Bheki Cele of interfering in policing matters.

She alleged that Cele pressured her during the ANC’s January 8 celebrations in 2024 to arrest a former Mpumalanga MEC without sufficient evidence, and that tensions arose when she refused.

Further claims include alleged interference in high-profile investigations such as illegal mining, kidnappings, and political cases. She also alleged that a provincial task team tackling serious crime was disbanded after her suspension.

Among her most serious accusations is that Masemola shielded corrupt officials and failed to act on internal corruption concerns.

Mathe emphasised that all allegations must go through formal investigative channels before conclusions can be drawn.

“The matters raised must be subjected to the appropriate investigative processes, because first, we must establish the facts. We can only elaborate further or state a way forward once we are in possession of the detailed dossier from the general.

“Where necessary, independent oversight bodies will be reached by the SAPS to ensure impartiality and public confidence in the process. SAPS remains committed to upholding discipline, protecting our institutional integrity and ensuring that any wrongs, if proven, is dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law,” she said.

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She also reassured the public: “It’s important to also assure South Africans that we are still on the ground, we are still policing, and we are still serving them.”

Neither Masemola nor Motaung has publicly responded to the allegations.

Manamela’s claims come amid a lengthy legal and disciplinary battle. She was first suspended in February 2023 on charges including abuse of power, maladministration, nepotism, and financial mismanagement.

Although she initially won a court challenge declaring her suspension unlawful, she was later suspended again in June 2023 following new allegations, including misconduct and misuse of state resources.

Her latest claims now place the spotlight on the highest levels of policing in South Africa.