THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON - WOMEN AND GENDER COMMISSION
MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
21 April 2026
The Suspension of Mpumalanga SAPS Commissioner Lt-Gen Semakaleng Manamela and Allegations of Corruption.
The Women and Gender Commission note with grave concern the suspension of Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, and the serious allegations she has raised regarding corruption within the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga.
1. We support due process and independent investigation
SAPS has indicated that a probe will be conducted into the claims made by Lt-Gen Manamela. The Commission urges that this process be independent, transparent, and free from interference. Allegations of corruption, victimization of officers, and protection of criminal elements within law enforcement must be tested through lawful channels. Any information on misconduct should be referred to the appropriate authorities, including the Madlanga Commission.
2. Whistleblowers must be protected
Lt-Gen Manamela has publicly stated she was “removed to protect corrupt cops” and sidelined for acting against corruption. If true, this points to a culture of reprisal that deters ethical leadership, especially for women in command. The Commission calls for full protection of whistleblowers in SAPS, in line with the Protected Disclosures Act, so that officers can report wrongdoing without fear of suspension or retaliation.
3. Corruption undermines women’s safety and gender justice
When law enforcement is compromised, women and gender-diverse people are disproportionately affected. Docket mismanagement, bribery, and abuse of office weaken the state’s ability to respond to gender-based violence, extortion, and organized crime. As a Commission, we are alarmed that the very institutions mandated to protect communities may possibly be shielding perpetrators.
4. Leadership accountability matters for gender transformation
Women who reach senior rank, like Lt-Gen Manamela, often face unique pressures. Whether the allegations against her or by her are proven, the outcome of this matter will signal how seriously South Africa takes integrity and gender transformation in policing. We urge the National Commissioner and Minister of Police to ensure that disciplinary and investigative processes are not weaponized to silence reformers, nor used to excuse misconduct.
We reaffirm that no one is above the law, and no one should be punished for upholding it. South Africans deserve a police service that is professional, accountable, and committed to justice and as the Women and Gender Commission under Civil Society Unmuted Coalition-SA we will continue to advocate for ethical, gender-responsive policing that serves all South Africans and we will continuously monitor the impact of this leadership crisis on GBV-related policing in Mpumalanga and in our country.
Apostle Bongi Thusi
CSUC-SA WOMEN AND GENDER COMMISSION
067 839 2027 / 082 509 1195
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