Julius Malema Sparks Storm Over Masemola Arrest Rumours, Police Say No Warrant Exists

SAPS says no warrant exists  “Ask Malema,” police respond as corruption cloud deepens

EFF leader Julius Malema has ignited fresh political controversy, claiming National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is facing imminent arrest over alleged corruption ties with recently detained Crime Intelligence head, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo. But according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no such arrest warrant exists.

In a fiery press briefing on Thursday, Malema declared:

“There is a warrant of arrest against Masemola. I don’t know why he’s not being picked up. It means someone, somewhere, is playing politics… Masemola is being arrested for what he did with Khumalo in the Crime Intelligence.”

Police push back: No such warrant

SAPS swiftly denied the claims. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe issued a terse response:

“Kindly redirect your questions to Mr Malema. He may be in a better position to respond with more information.”

The statement has only fuelled speculation and public confusion over the state of internal police dynamics, especially in the wake of a growing corruption probe involving the Crime Intelligence division.

The bigger picture: A war within SAPS?

Malema’s comments appear to reference recent turmoil within South Africa’s police top brass. Just weeks earlier, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Bheki Cele’s successor, Senzo Mchunu, and Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of political interference in SAPS operations.

Malema suggested the fallout from Mkhwanazi’s press conference might be delaying Masemola’s arrest:

“I thought Mkhwanazi’s press conference was a pre-emptive strategy. Perhaps the arrest is being delayed so it doesn’t look like retaliation.”

The Crime Intelligence scandal: R120m under scrutiny

At the centre of the storm is the Crime Intelligence division’s secret service fund, a R600 million-per-year slush fund meant for paying informants. This fund has reportedly been exploited, with over R120 million allegedly misused in procuring buildings through irregular processes.

Khumalo and seven others have already been arrested. If Masemola were added to the list, it would mark a seismic escalation in what many are calling one of SAPS’ deepest internal crises since the Jackie Selebi era.

NPA also denies action against Masemola

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) also denied any action against Masemola. Sources confirmed to The Citizen last month that the NPA is not in the process of pursuing or authorising an arrest.

Public and political reaction: Who’s really in charge?

The public’s response has been mixed, some on social media are asking if Malema knows something the public doesn’t. Others are accusing him of muddying the waters in an already chaotic political and policing landscape.

Political analysts say Malema’s bold claims could be strategic, aimed at exposing fractures within the police force and testing the ANC government’s appetite for accountability at the highest levels.

What now?

If Malema’s claims are true, South Africa could be looking at one of its most senior police officials being arrested for corruption. If not, the allegations risk further eroding public trust in both the SAPS and the independence of the justice system.

Either way, the saga has exposed a fractured law enforcement system where political rivalries, factional battles, and allegations of looting collide all at the expense of the rule of law.

Until verified evidence emerges, the claim that an arrest warrant for Masemola exists remains just that, a claim. But in South Africa’s high-stakes political theatre, even unconfirmed allegations can have explosive consequences.

{Source: The Citizen}

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