Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson Ian Cameron calls for the swift suspension of SAPS Divisional Commissioner of Supply Chain, Lt Gen Molefe Fani, over alleged procurement irregularities.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has welcomed reports that the South African Police Service (SAPS) intends suspending Divisional Commissioner of Supply Chain Management, Lieutenant General Molefe Fani, with committee chairperson Ian Cameron saying the move is “long overdue” and must proceed without delay.
Cameron said the anticipated suspension marks an important step toward restoring accountability within SAPS, amid longstanding concerns over procurement irregularities and alleged misconduct linked to Fani’s tenure in public office.
“The imminent consequence management against Lt General Fani is long overdue and signifies that the leadership of the South African Police Service is not merely paying lip service on accountability and consequence management,” Cameron said on Tuesday.
The committee has repeatedly called for Fani’s suspension over allegations contained in a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report relating to COVID-19 procurement irregularities during his time at National Treasury.
Cameron questioned why Fani was appointed to a senior SAPS procurement role despite the SIU’s findings.
“Despite a damning Special Investigating Unit report containing serious allegations against Lt General Fani, he was appointed to a senior SAPS position, placing him in charge of procurement for one of the largest state departments. This raises further questions that require investigation,” he said.
The committee further linked Fani’s leadership to the controversial Medicare Tshwane contract, saying the procurement scandal reinforced concerns about his suitability to remain in office.
“There is a documented track record, as presented in the SIU report for his tenure at National Treasury, suggesting actions that point to the subversion of procurement policies,” Cameron said.
While a criminal case related to the Medicare Tshwane matter is still underway, Cameron argued that existing state findings already justify disciplinary action.
“While the ongoing criminal case will provide clarity on his role in the Tshwane Medicare matter, there is already a state report that necessitates action. We therefore welcome the intention to suspend,” he added.
The committee also said the suspension would help curb a recurring pattern in the public service where officials accused of wrongdoing avoid accountability by moving between government departments.
Cameron stressed, however, that suspension alone would not be enough and urged SAPS to ensure disciplinary processes are finalised swiftly.
“In the short to medium term, suspensions are necessary, but they are not a substitute for long-term accountability. There must be effective consequence management for any SAPS official implicated in wrongdoing,” he said.
The committee highlighted that under Fani’s leadership, SAPS recorded irregular expenditure of R640 million in the 2024/25 financial year, a roughly 140% increase, despite his division being tasked with ensuring procurement compliance.
Cameron said the developments underscore broader concerns about ethical leadership and integrity management within the police service.
As part of efforts to address systemic governance failures, the committee has called for lifestyle and skills audits of SAPS leadership, beginning with senior management.
The Portfolio Committee on Police is expected to engage SAPS leadership in the coming weeks to assess the number of suspended officers, the length of suspensions, and steps being taken to speed up disciplinary proceedings.
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