Khomotso Phahlane corruption charges provisionally withdrawn

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has provisionally withdrawn corruption charges against former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and several co-accused. The case involved a 2016 South African Police Service (SAPS) contract for emergency warning equipment, valued at over R191-million.

Prosecutors stated the withdrawal is intended to allow for a reconsideration of certain aspects of the case by Acting Investigating Director Ntuthuzelo Vanara before it is re-enrolled in court. IDAC emphasized that the decision does not imply the investigation was improperly authorized, noting that a previous review panel had confirmed the matter falls within the directorate's mandate.

Phahlane was facing charges including fraud, theft, corruption, and money laundering alongside other former senior police officials, such as former Deputy National Commissioner Bonang Mgwenya and former Gauteng Police Commissioner Deliwe de Lange.