![vmexsa logo [front]](https://vmex.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-cropped-cropped-front-1-scaled.webp)
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has denied the allegations made by suspended Sedibeng District Commissioner Brigadier Abraham Nkwashu regarding a request for police dockets.
These allegations surfaced during Nkwashu’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission, suggesting inconsistencies in the reports about government officials’ interactions with police documentation.
Nkhwashu testified that Gauteng provincial commissioner Tommy Mthombeni directed him to gather all case dockets concerning J50 warrants of arrest for submission to Major-General Mbuso Khumalo for investigation.
He also stated that the directive came from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi but noted that he had not received written instructions from Mthombeni.
In a statement issued on Friday, the premier insists he never issued or requested police dockets, describing the claim as baffling and misleading.
“A letter from the Gauteng provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, addressed to the premier, confirms that it was the provincial commissioner, not the premier, who requested the dockets.
“The letter also explicitly confirms that the coordination of wanted suspects and the processing of J50 warrants fall under the mandate of the deputy provincial commissioner for crime detection, Major General Khumalo, acting in consultation with crime intelligence,” the statement read.
Lesufi expressed his respect for the separation of powers and emphasized the operational independence of the South African Police Service.
Request for directive on docket
He endorsed the work of the commission and asked Brigadier Nkhwashu to supply a written copy of the directive he reportedly issued.
According to the premier, the suspended district commissioner of Sedibeng seems to misunderstand established internal SAPS directives and confuses them with routine briefings on crime prevention strategies, such as the Eyes and Ears program.
ALSO READ | Ramaphosa’s US envoy pick sparks fierce political storm
The Eyes and Ears, according to the statement, is a crime-fighting initiative and partnership established in 2019, involving the police services, Business Against Crime South Africa, and the private security industry to enhance coordinated responses to crime.
“We support the work of the Madlanga Commission, and we will use the proper legal channels to correct any misleading or incorrect statements that are part of the official record,” Lesufi said.
The premier urged everyone to allow the commission to complete its work without succumbing to sensationalism.
Creative | Nerd | Media Junky | Scribe |
Bitten by a media bug in the late 90’s – As a bona-fide Journo, he boast extensive expertise in print, online and broadcast medium and continues to strive to be the best version of himself.
