Parliamentarians expressed outrage on Wednesday after two Presidential Protection Services (PPS) officers were cleared by internal South African Police Service (SAPS) disciplinary proceedings. This outcome occurred despite the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) making adverse findings against the officials.
The controversy centers on PPS head Major-General Wally Rhoode and Constable HH Rekhoto. Members of Parliament accused law enforcement agencies of conducting a cover-up and applying inconsistent standards for senior officers involved in the Phala Phala matter.
Investigation Findings and Allegations
The investigation began following a July 2022 complaint by ATM leader Vuyo Zungula. IPID acting head of investigations, Thuso Keefelakae, detailed allegations including the failure to report crimes under the SAPS Act and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), as well as kidnapping, assault, and torture.
The IPID probe specifically found that Major-General Rhoode failed to report offenses to the then-national commissioner Khehla Sitole and did not ensure the registration of case dockets regarding theft and housebreaking at the Phala Phala farm.
the investigation revealed that Rhoode conducted interviews with suspects while Constable Rekhoto traveled to Cape Town to survey suspect addresses. These activities were identified as the alleged unlawful use of state resources.
Conflict Over Disciplinary Outcomes
The IPID submitted recommendations for disciplinary action against Rhoode and Rekhoto in October 2023. However, SAPS conducted its own internal hearings and notified IPID of a “not guilty” outcome in May 2024.
SAPS officials maintained that the disciplinary tribunal was independent and that the organization complied with recommendations from the Public Protector, and IPID. Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane asserted that no special treatment was given, stating that all members are subjected to hearings equally regardless of rank.
IPID acting head Hlengani Bila defended the decision to classify the Phala Phala report, arguing it was necessary to protect the integrity of parallel investigations.
Political Fallout and Legal Status
The findings sparked sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. DA MP Diane Barnard-Kohler described the disciplinary process as involving “bizarre standards,” while ADCP leader Kenneth Meshoe suggested that a senior official’s failure to register a criminal act could be indicative of corruption.
MK Party MP David Skosana questioned the independence of the IPID and suggested the matter would be addressed during impeachment proceedings. Similarly, EFF MP Muzi Khoza raised concerns regarding the absence of meaningful consequences for the alleged misconduct.
Meanwhile, DPCI head Siphesihle Nkosi reported that while a prosecutor declined to prosecute corruption and money laundering charges, the housebreaking and theft case remains in court. A hearing is expected later this month, with extradition requests lodged for two outstanding foreign suspects.
Potential Next Steps
Given the expressed dissatisfaction of parliamentarians, there may be further calls for transparency regarding the classified IPID report. The ongoing court case regarding housebreaking and theft could provide new evidence that may influence the narrative surrounding the officers’ conduct.
Depending on the outcome of the upcoming court hearing, there is a possibility that the impeachment process mentioned by some MPs could further scrutinize the “shenanigans and cover-ups” alleged by political critics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which officers were cleared despite IPID’s findings?
Major-General Wally Rhoode, the head of the Presidential Protection Services, and Constable HH Rekhoto were cleared by SAPS internal disciplinary proceedings.
What specific misconduct did the IPID find regarding Major-General Rhoode?
The IPID found that Rhoode failed to report offenses to the then-national commissioner and failed to ensure that case dockets for housebreaking and theft at the Phala Phala farm were registered.
What is the current status of the criminal cases related to the Phala Phala farm?
The investigation into corruption and money laundering was finalized with a decision not to prosecute. However, the housebreaking and theft case is currently in court and is due to be heard later this month.
Do you believe internal police tribunals are the appropriate venue for judging senior officials in high-profile cases?