Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, the former acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), appeared before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee today, describing his 2017 removal from the top post as unlawful, irrational, and a chaotic “mess” orchestrated by then-Police Minister Fikile Mbalula.
Testifying in the probe into allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration, and political interference in the criminal justice system—originally raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi—Phahlane insisted that only the President, who appointed him, held the constitutional and legal authority under the SAPS Act to remove or suspend him.
Phahlane recounted being summoned from Pretoria to Cape Town in June 2017 amid media reports about an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigation into him. After waiting more than three hours, he met briefly with Mbalula and former deputy minister Bongani Mkhongi in a session lasting under five minutes. Mbalula reportedly suggested he “step aside” due to the negative publicity, to which Phahlane agreed, stating he was “not glued to any position” and understood SAPS members could be redeployed at any time to serve the public.
When Phahlane inquired about handover procedures, Mbalula allegedly replied, “don’t worry about that,” and told him to go home. As he departed, Phahlane said he observed Mbalula’s former ministerial advisor entering with Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba, who was later announced as his replacement.
While awaiting his flight, Phahlane learned of Mbalula’s public announcement of his removal, including a 48-hour notice to explain why he should not be suspended, with Mothiba declared the new acting commissioner. A formal suspension notice from Mothiba arrived days later.
Phahlane emphasized to the committee: “I was not removed by the president of the Republic of South Africa as the Constitution and the SAPS Act dictate. I was made to step aside by the Minister of Police.” He described the process as creating a “mess,” noting he had been verbally suspended without proper documentation initially.
He further claimed he was the “guinea pig” for the ANC’s step-aside policy, applied selectively to him, and rejected any narrative linking his removal to corruption allegations, calling such views misleading. Phahlane highlighted that he has never received a formal removal letter signed by the President.
Appointed acting national commissioner in 2015 following the suspension of Riah Phiyega, Phahlane said his case of unlawful dismissal remains before the Labour Appeal Court, with a potential ruling expected imminently.
The testimony comes amid the committee’s resumed hearings after the December recess, with Phahlane commending Mkhwanazi for speaking out on similar issues of alleged interference. The inquiry continues to examine deep concerns over trust in the criminal justice system and SAPS leadership integrity.