SAPS Supply Chain Divisional Commissioner Lieutenant-General Molefe Fani has been suspended following allegations linked to irregular PPE procurement.
Image: X/@CrimeWatch_RSA
SAPS Supply Chain Divisional Commissioner Lieutenant-General Molefe Fani has been suspended in connection with PPE procurement irregularities during his time at the National Treasury.
The contract in question was declared irregular due to non-compliance.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe declined to comment on the details surrounding the suspension.
“This is a matter between employer and employee, and as such, we cannot comment further."
Fani was suspended on Friday after receiving a notice of intention to suspend.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster confirmed the suspension on Sunday via X, formerly Twitter.
“The Divisional Commissioner of Supply Chain Management, Lieutenant-General (Dr) Molefe Isaac Fani, has been suspended.”
“He will be subjected to SAPS disciplinary processes for alleged misconduct,” the cluster said.
Fani’s suspension is believed to be linked to PPE procurement during his tenure at the National Treasury.
The contract was previously declared irregular due to non-compliance with procurement rules.
Last month, IOL News reported that Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police welcomed reports of SAPS’ intention to suspend Fani, with committee chairperson Ian Cameron describing the move as “long overdue” and necessary for accountability.
Cameron said the anticipated suspension marked an important step towards restoring accountability within SAPS amid longstanding concerns over procurement irregularities and alleged misconduct linked to Fani’s public service record.
“The imminent consequence management against Lt Gen Fani is long overdue and signifies that the leadership of the South African Police Service is not merely paying lip service to accountability and consequence management,” Cameron said.
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 Fani’s appointment to a senior SAPS procurement position despite the SIU findings.
“Despite a damning Special Investigating Unit report containing serious allegations against Lt Gen 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 also linked Fani’s leadership to the controversial Medicare Tshwane contract, saying the procurement scandal reinforced concerns about his suitability to hold 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 ongoing, 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 said.
The committee also said the suspension reflects a broader effort to prevent officials accused of wrongdoing from moving between government departments without accountability.
Cameron stressed, however, that suspension alone was insufficient and urged SAPS to ensure disciplinary processes are concluded 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 further noted 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 responsible for procurement compliance.
Cameron said the developments highlighted broader concerns about ethical leadership and integrity management within the police service.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News