Northern Cape police reject WhatsApp allegation that senior general took bribes to remove dockets

Police management in the Northern Cape has denied a circulating WhatsApp message that accuses a senior officer of soliciting payments to make case dockets disappear. The statement, issued on 23 July 2026, identified the officer implicated in the posts and described the claims as false.

What the police said

The office of the Police Commissioner said the messages naming Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga are “false and without factual basis.” The office added:

“Major General Ngubelanga has not demanded or solicited any payment in exchange for the handling, withdrawal, or any other action relating to a case docket.”

Concerns about misinformation

The SAPS Northern Cape said it “strongly condemns the dissemination of false and misleading information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and integrity of senior police officials and undermining public confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS).”

Police urged the public to be cautious and to refrain from forwarding unverified messages on social media, saying the circulation of false information “can cause unnecessary alarm and may have serious consequences for individuals who are falsely implicated.”

Reporting allegations and possible action

The police reminded the public that allegations of corruption, extortion or criminal conduct involving a police official should be reported through “the appropriate law-enforcement channels, where such allegations can be properly investigated.”

On action against those sharing the messages, the SAPS Northern Cape said:

“The SAPS Northern Cape will not be distracted by attempts to undermine the credibility of the organisation or its members through the dissemination of malicious and unsubstantiated information.”

The statement said appropriate steps will be considered against people responsible for creating and circulating defamatory content “where there is sufficient evidence to do so.”

Commitment to standards

The police reiterated their commitment to “upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the execution of its constitutional mandate.” They also encouraged anyone with “credible information relating to alleged criminal conduct” to approach the relevant authorities rather than posting unverified allegations on social media.