By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Services National Commissioner Fannie Masemola reportedly used police resources even though the theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm wasn’t registered as a criminal case.
Masemola authorised the use of police resources and spent thousands of rands to find the suspects.
The City Press reported that the claims came to light after classified reports were allegedly leaked in a ‘security breach’ with the SA Police Service (SAPS) crime intelligence unit.
The resources used back in February 2020 include a police helicopter and a communication interception device – commonly referred to as a ‘grabber’.
The grabber was used to monitor communication of the domestic worker involved in the case, which lead authorities to locate one of the suspects in Namibia.
Other costs stipulated in the leaked documents include the use of police vehicles, as well as accommodation and meals – all paid for by the SA Police Service.
The investigation and use of resources occurred even though the theft wasn’t reported and registered as a criminal matter.
Meanwhile, former commissioner Khehla Sitole was reportedly left in the dark and only learnt the details of the case much later on when some members involved in the operation began to speak out.
The anonymous source told the publication a crime intelligence investigation into Masemola’s involvement was launched, but the findings were reportedly shelved.
“I don’t know why the report was shelved. But I assume they were afraid that the disciplinary process would expose the involvement of senior officers and a sitting minister”, the source said.
SAPS also announced that Lieutenant General Sam Shitlabane will with immediate effect oversee the Presidential Protection Service (PPS). Shitlabane replaces Major-Gen Wally Rhoode who was removed this week. Rhoode was in the spotlight after reports of the robbery at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm where US$ 6million was stolen.
Former spy boss Arthur Fraser alleged that Ramaphosa “concealed the crime” — in which millions of dollars were allegedly stolen — from the police and the SA Revenue Service.
In an affidavit, Fraser claimed that Ramaphosa instructed Rhoode to investigate the robbery, arrest the suspects and retrieve the stolen money.