No arrest warrant issued for police commissioner Masemola, says IDAC

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, a unit within the National Prosecuting Authority, has clarified that there is currently no attempt underway to arrest National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

This statement comes amid growing speculation in the media that Masemola is on the verge of being taken into custody for his alleged role in irregular property acquisitions linked to the Crime Intelligence division.

Reports have surfaced suggesting that more than 120 million rand was spent on acquiring properties for Crime Intelligence without following proper procedures. These allegations come at a time when multiple senior police figures have already been arrested in connection with similar procurement deals.

One of the most high-profile arrests was that of Dumisani Khumalo, the current head of Crime Intelligence, who was detained at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Khumalo and several co-accused are facing charges related to the questionable purchase of properties in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, valued at around 45 million rand.

In response to the speculation regarding Commissioner Masemola, IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the organisation does not usually comment on ongoing investigations but confirmed that there is no active process to obtain a warrant for Masemola’s arrest.

Meanwhile, the office of Police Minister Senso Mchunu expressed concern over the rumours. Mchunu’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, urged the media to avoid publishing unverified reports, warning that such speculation can undermine public trust and disrupt the work of law enforcement agencies.

Despite the official denials, some media outlets continue to report that four senior officials within the national security cluster have confirmed the existence of a plan to arrest Masemola. These unnamed sources claim that charges have already been drafted and that President Cyril Ramaphosa has been briefed on the matter.

According to these reports, Masemola’s arrest could occur soon, possibly within days, as preparations are said to be complete and only require a magistrate’s approval. The case revolves around the Crime Intelligence secret service account, a fund that receives more than 600 million rand each year.

This budget is used to pay informants and support covert operations, but it has limited financial oversight, making it vulnerable to misuse. According to City Press, Inspector General of Intelligence Imtiaz Fazel has recommended criminal charges against all individuals involved in the questionable property acquisitions, including Commissioner Masemola.

The unfolding investigation has already led to the arrest of several senior figures within Crime Intelligence. These include the division’s chief financial officer, regional heads, and senior analysts. All of them face serious charges involving corruption and fraud.

This scandal highlights ongoing challenges within the police service, particularly regarding financial accountability and internal corruption.

As the investigations continue, public attention remains fixed on whether the country’s top police officer will be formally implicated and what broader consequences may follow for the leadership of the South African Police Service.