Former deputy national police commissioner Francinah Vuma testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Wednesday, alleging political interference by former Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. According to multiple reports, Vuma detailed a culture of corruption and retaliation during her tenure.
Key Takeaways
Former deputy national police commissioner Francinah Vuma testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, alleging political interference by former Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.
- Vuma accused Cele of interfering in investigations involving Lieutenant General Peter Jacobs.
- She detailed a culture of political interference and retaliation for her refusal to drop cases.
- Vuma alleged threats against her life and attempts to silence her with a retirement package.
- Her testimony included claims of irregularities in procurement processes and wasteful expenditure.
Vuma was suspended in 2022 over allegations related to the ANC’s 2017 Nasrec conference “device grabber” incident and retired in January this year. During her testimony, she accused Cele of interfering in investigations involving Lieutenant General Peter Jacobs, stating that the minister was unhappy with her recommendations for disciplinary action against Jacobs. These investigations included a probe into the killing of Lieutenant Ken Elkine and the misuse of Crime Intelligence secret service funds to procure personal protective equipment (PPE).
Vuma also alleged that Masemola threatened her with suspension or transfer if she did not drop specific cases, claiming he was “under pressure from the top” to have her removed. She provided a list of suppressed investigations, including irregularities in 2010 procurement of accommodation and emergency PPE procurement that violated National Treasury Instruction No 8 of 2019/20. Vuma testified that she stood her ground against Cele’s coercion regarding the procurement of PPE from specific suppliers.
The testimony took a darker turn as Vuma detailed alleged assassination plots, claiming that after failed attempts to frame her for PPE corruption, certain officials “resorted to the plan that I be killed.” State security officials later interviewed her and recommended state protection. Vuma also revealed that Masemola attempted to silence her with a retirement package that included a non-disclosure clause and payments extending to September 2024. She rejected the offer, stating: “I am determined, whatever it takes, to clear my name.”
Vuma’s testimony highlighted her deep heartbreak over the harassment, noting the emotional and financial toll on her family. She criticized the lack of support from state institutions regarding her protected disclosures. The hearings continue as the committee investigates allegations of corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.
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