🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner alleges political and business interference in policing
via The Citizen2 min read
Suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner Daphney Manamela has made allegations against her colleagues and national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, claiming that politicians and businesspeople have compromised policing in the province. Manamela stated that police officers in Mpumalanga interfere in investigations related to political killings, manipulation of the docket management system, illegal mining, extortion, and human trafficking. She also questioned the source of funding for home appliances awarded to Saps members at the 2025 Excellence Awards. Manamela further alleged that a police officer confessed to receiving a R5 million bribe, shared with top police officials, to prevent her return to work, which would lead to the reopening of cases, including those involving the Mbombela stadium construction. She claimed her suspension by General Masemola was for enforcing discipline. In response, national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that the South African Police Service is taking the allegations seriously and will subject them to investigative processes to establish facts. Mathe indicated that independent oversight bodies would be used to ensure impartiality and public confidence. She added that Manamela would be called for consultation to establish the facts and that decisive action would be taken if wrongdoing is found. Mathe also dismissed Manamela's stated reasons for her suspension, noting that it is an employer-employee matter and Manamela is aware of t
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Must ReadThe Gauteng Department of Health has issued a warning regarding a significant rise in malaria cases and associated deaths across the province, urging residents to be vigilant and seek prompt treatment. Between January and December 2025, Gauteng recorded 666 malaria cases and seven deaths. However, in the first three months of 2026 alone, the province has already reported 414 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, a notable increase from 230 cases and one death during the same period in 2025. Health officials link this surge to increased travel during the festive season, with many residents visiting malaria-endemic regions and returning infected. Residents who have traveled to high-risk areas like Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi are advised to be particularly cautious. The department stresses that malaria is preventable and treatable, but delayed diagnosis can be fatal. Symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, especially after travel, warrant immediate medical attention. Preventive measures, including insect repellent and protective clothing, are also recommended. As World Malaria Day approaches on April 25, 2026, the GDoH is calling on residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families, while continuing to monitor the situation and strengthen public health interventions.
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Michael Currin, Deputy Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System GCIS, emphasized the crucial role of government communicators in shaping public understanding, building trust, and supporting effective service delivery. Speaking at the Mastering the Art of Government Communication course in Pretoria, Currin highlighted that communication can either stabilize or destabilize societies, particularly in an era rife with misinformation and disinformation. He cited the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war as examples where false information and narratives significantly influenced public behavior and geopolitical realities. Currin stressed that communicators act as a bridge between government and citizens and must uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism. The course, a joint initiative by GCIS and the National School of Government, aims to professionalize government communication and equip officials with skills to operate in volatile information environments. Craig Jansen from the National School of Government noted that a pilot program in 2024/25 was successful, training approximately 100 officials, including Media Liaison Officers and Heads of Communication. The program is slated for official launch in May by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi.
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