General daphney manamela case raises questions about the SAPS leadership and calls for independent investigations

The spotlight is firmly on General Daphney Manamela, the suspended Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), following her recent explosive allegations of bribery and corruption within the highest echelons of the police force. Manamela has claimed a R5 million payment was made to block her return to office and prevent the reopening of politically sensitive dockets, including a high-profile murder case. These dramatic accusations have sent shockwaves across South Africa, bringing into question the integrity of national policing leadership.

Key details about general daphney manamela and the ongoing controversy

• Full Name and Position: Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, formerly the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga. She is currently suspended.
• Appointment as Provincial Commissioner: General Manamela was appointed as the Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner at the rank of Lieutenant General with effect from 1 July 2021.
• Educational Background: She holds an Honours degree in Public Administration and was finalising her Master’s degree in the same field. She also has a degree in Human and Social Studies specialising in Policy Studies, and a degree in Public Administration, both attained between 2010 and 2016 from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
• Career Progression: Manamela began her career in the SAPS as a Constable in Kempton Park, Gauteng, in 1995. She steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Major General and Deputy Provincial Commissioner (DPC) Operations from 2012 to 2016, followed by DPC Management Intervention and Acting DPC Corporate Support before her appointment as Provincial Commissioner.
• Suspensions and Court Challenges: General Manamela has faced multiple suspensions. She was initially suspended in February 2023 on charges of misconduct, including allegedly receiving improper gifts. This suspension was overturned by a court order in March 2023 due to procedural unfairness. She was suspended a second time in June 2024 by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, facing allegations of misuse of office, state resources, and threatening conduct. This suspension was also lifted by the high court, pending her review and appeal processes.
• Explosive Allegations (April 19, 2026): During a media briefing in Mbombela, Manamela alleged that National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and retired Major-General Botsotso Moukangwe received a R5 million “payment” from businessman Bobby Mosiane Motaung. The alleged purpose was to prevent her return to office and block the reopening of dockets related to the 2009 murder of former Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala and Mbombela Stadium fraud and corruption cases.
• Alleged Confession: Manamela claimed that Moukangwe confessed to her on 4 February 2025 about the R5 million bribe, stating he shared 50% with Masemola.
• Involvement of Bobby Motaung: The alleged bribe payer, Bobby Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs football manager), was reportedly fearful that Manamela’s return would revive the stalled case concerning Mohlala’s murder, which was linked to fraud and corruption in the building of Mbombela Stadium.
• SAPS Response: National Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the allegations are “serious” and “cannot be taken lightly or ignored.” The police and their legal team will formally assess the claims and refer them to appropriate investigative units.
• Call for Independent Investigation: Manamela has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to direct the Madlanga Commission and a parliamentary ad hoc committee to probe the alleged police corruption, arguing that internal processes may not yield impartial outcomes.

Unpacking the story of general daphney manamela: Allegations of deep-seated corruption

The saga surrounding General Daphney Manamela has taken a dramatic turn, exposing what she claims is a web of corruption and political interference at the very top of the South African Police Service. Manamela, who held the crucial role of Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, has been at the centre of controversy following her multiple suspensions from office. Her career with the SAPS began as a Constable in Kempton Park, Gauteng, in 1995, and she steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming a Lieutenant-General. Her academic achievements, including an Honours degree in Public Administration from UNISA, reflect her commitment to public service.

Manamela’s troubles began with an initial suspension in February 2023, based on allegations of misconduct, including the improper receipt of gifts. However, this suspension was swiftly overturned by the Gauteng North High Court in March 2023 due to procedural irregularities, allowing her to return to her post. Despite this, she was suspended again in June 2024 by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, this time facing accusations of misuse of office, state resources, and threatening behaviour. This second suspension was also challenged and subsequently lifted by the high court, which paused the inquiry into her fitness to hold office pending her review and appeal processes.

The most recent and perhaps most impactful development occurred on 19 April 2026, when General Daphney Manamela held a media briefing in Mbombela. There, she dropped a bombshell, alleging that a R5 million bribe was paid to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemela and retired Major-General Botsotso Moukangwe by Kaizer Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung. According to Manamela, the purpose of this payment was to ensure she would not return to her position and to prevent her from reopening vital dockets. These dockets reportedly concern the 2009 murder of former Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala and cases of fraud and corruption related to the Mbombela Stadium construction. Manamela claimed that Moukangwe had confessed to her about the bribe in February 2025, even detailing how the money was shared. She suggested that Motaung feared her return would revive these stalled investigations, which allegedly link him to the cases.

In the wake of these severe accusations, Manamela has appealed directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa, urging him to establish an independent investigation through bodies like the Madlanga Commission or a parliamentary ad hoc committee. She expressed a lack of faith in internal police processes, believing they would not yield impartial results. The South African Police Service, through spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, has acknowledged the gravity of Manamela’s claims, assuring the public that they are being taken seriously and will be subjected to thorough investigative processes. This ongoing saga has significant implications for public trust in law enforcement and highlights the persistent challenges of combating corruption within state institutions. For more on similar cases, visit our trending news section.

Questions and answers about general daphney manamela’s situation

• Q: Who is Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela?
  A: She is the suspended Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga. She is known for her extensive career in the SAPS, having risen from a Constable to a Lieutenant-General.
• Q: What are the main allegations made by General Daphney Manamela?
  A: Manamela alleges that National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and retired Major-General Botsotso Moukangwe received a R5 million bribe from businessman Bobby Motaung to prevent her return to office. She claims this was to block the reopening of dockets related to the 2009 murder of Jimmy Mohlala and Mbombela Stadium fraud.
• Q: Who are the key individuals accused by General Manamela?
  A: She has accused National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and retired Major-General Botsotso Moukangwe of receiving the bribe, and businessman Bobby Motaung of paying it.
• Q: Why was General Manamela suspended multiple times?
  A: Her first suspension in February 2023 was over alleged misconduct, including receiving improper gifts. Her second suspension in June 2024 involved allegations of misuse of office, state resources, and threatening behaviour. Both suspensions were successfully challenged in court on procedural grounds.
• Q: What is the SAPS’s official response to her recent allegations?
  A: The SAPS, through spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, stated that the allegations are very serious and will be formally assessed by the police and their legal team, then referred to appropriate investigative units.
• Q: What cases does General Manamela claim are being suppressed due to this alleged corruption?
  A: She specifically mentioned the 2009 murder of former Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala and cases of fraud and corruption related to the construction of the Mbombela Stadium.