/ 23 November 2016

Why Ipid is charging acting police commissioner Phahlane

​Former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
​Former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is set to charge acting police commissioner General Khomotso Phahlane with defeating the ends of justice. The charges relate to Phahlane allegedly contacting witnesses the Ipid had interviewed for an investigation they were conducting into Phahlane’s R8-million home in an exclusive estate north of Pretoria.

News24 broke the story on Wednesday, reporting that the Ipid began the investigation into Phahlane’s property after suspicions arose that a career policeman could afford to spend millions building a house. Phahlane will reportedly issue a warning statement on Wednesday following a summons sent to him by the Ipid.

The house was reportedly built in Sable Hills Waterfront Estate, north of Pretoria in 2011 and 2012. Sources told News24 that Phahlane began contacting witnesses in the Ipid investigation after he became aware of the investigation into his house.

The police watchdog is also investigating allegations that Phahlane stuffed a total of R700 000 in cash into plastic bags to make payments to a contractor. Forensic investigator Paul ‘O Sullivan opened a case in January 2016, raising red flags that the bond Phahlane had registered was lower than the value of the house.

“Phahlane, I wanted to ask you, where the money came from to build this mansion in Sable Hills Waterfront Estate? I’ve got a copy of the title deeds, and bond details. As I see it, you had spare cash of between R3m and R5m. Did you win the lottery?” News24 quotes an email O’Sullivan wrote to senior police officials.

Phahlane’s spokesperson told News24 that the police commissioner’s office welcomes the Ipid investigation.

“The Acting National Commissioner welcomes any investigation on any allegations and matter against him conducted within the confines of the law to enable the testing of any such allegations. It is unfortunate that such investigations and/ or allegations if any are conducted through the media with the sole aim of causing harm and damage to the reputation and integrity of the Acting National Commissioner,” Selepe said.