Suspended Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has made shocking allegations of a cover-up in the killing of former Mbombela Speaker Jimmy Mohlala. During a media briefing on Sunday, 21 April 2026, Manamela claimed that Bobby Motaung, the Kaizer Chiefs boss, paid R5 million to Major General Botsotso Moukangwe and General Fannie Masemola to ensure she would not return to her position as Provincial Commissioner. Manamela alleges that the motive behind the payment was to prevent the reopening of case dockets implicating Motaung and others in Mohlala's murder.
Manamela's allegations have brought to light the troubling involvement and complicity of police officials in political killings within the province. According to her, both Moukangwe and Masemola were involved in a scheme to protect those allegedly responsible for Mohlala's death by keeping her suspended and out of office, thereby obstructing justice and shielding suspects from prosecution. The allegations have raised concerns about the role of law enforcement in enabling and protecting criminal activities tied to political violence.
The case of Jimmy Mohlala's murder is closely linked to a separate case involving alleged misappropriation of funds totalling R1 billion, with one case specifically involving R143 million, related to the construction of the Mbombela Stadium for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Motaung, his business partner Herbert Theledi, and others were arrested on charges of fraud and corruption. However, the cases were provisionally withdrawn in the Nelspruit regional court due to the state's lack of readiness and internal conflicts within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The internal conflict within the NPA was highlighted by State prosecutor Advocate Patrick Nkuna, who revealed that there were two contradictory letters from the NPA, leading to a brief adjournment. The defence attorneys argued that the repeated delays were prejudicing their clients and called for the case to be struck off the court roll entirely. Motaung's lawyer, Advocate Laurence Hodes, stated that the state's internal issues were a mockery of justice.
The case was eventually struck off the roll, with magistrate Eddie Hall emphasising the need for the State to resolve its internal issues before proceeding further. The decision was welcomed by Motaung's legal advisor, Zola Majavu, who expressed relief that the court had acknowledged the prejudice caused by the NPA's internal conflicts.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that it is actively monitoring the allegations made by Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the spokesperson for SAPS, stated that the allegations are of a serious nature and cannot be dismissed or ignored. She emphasised that SAPS treats all claims of misconduct, wrongdoing, and interference with the utmost seriousness.
The allegations made by Manamela have significant implications for the SAPS and the NPA. If proven, they could lead to serious consequences for those involved, including high-ranking police officials. The SAPS and NPA will need to investigate the allegations thoroughly and take decisive action to restore public trust in the institutions.
Key points
- Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela alleges that a R5 million bribe was paid to prevent the reopening of case dockets implicating Bobby Motaung and others in Jimmy Mohlala's murder.
- The case of Jimmy Mohlala's murder is linked to a separate case involving alleged misappropriation of funds related to the construction of the Mbombela Stadium for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
- The South African Police Service is actively monitoring the allegations made by Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela.
