🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Gardee family demands suspended police commissioner Manamela testify under oath before Madlanga Commission
via The Citizen1 min read
Lawyers for the family of Hillary Gardee, daughter of EFF deputy president Godrich Gardee, have requested that suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Daphney Manamela appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to testify under oath. This demand follows Manamela’s recent media briefing where she accused colleagues and national police commissioner Fannie Masemola of overseeing a compromised policing system. Manamela alleged that politicians and business figures manipulate investigations, illegally move dockets, and bribe officers. She also claimed police in Mpumalanga interfere in probes related to political killings, illegal mining, extortion, and human trafficking. The Gardee family believes Manamela's testimony could reveal why the investigation into Hillary’s murder stalled and whether powerful individuals protected suspects. Godrich Gardee stated in a letter to the Commission’s secretary that these allegations confirm long-held suspicions of interference and obstruction, impacting both the criminal process and pending civil litigation concerning state liability, negligence, and misconduct of officials. The family, who are plaintiffs in civil proceedings, emphasized their direct interest and called for urgent action. Hillary Gardee disappeared on April 29, 2022, and her body was found on May 3. Three suspects were arrested, but one, Rassie Nkune, remained at large. Manamela alleged that District Commissioner Dorah Xaba assisted Nkune in evading police. Charges again
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The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga has arrested a 44-year-old suspect in connection with an attack that resulted in the death of a Police Sergeant and injury to a Police Constable. The incident occurred in Bushbuckridge on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that officers located and apprehended the suspect at his residence on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The suspect allegedly attacked the officers with a sharp object during a domestic violence call-out, striking the 41-year-old police sergeant and pushing the 37-year-old police constable into a hole before fleeing. The sergeant was pronounced dead upon arrival at a medical facility, while the constable was admitted for treatment. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Saps in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift arrest, emphasizing that attacks on police will not be tolerated. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation DPCI – Hawks is handling the case.