Cameron calls for swift suspension of SAPS supply chain chief over R640 million irregular spending
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police has welcomed reports that the South African Police Service (SAPS) intends to suspend Divisional Commissioner for Supply Chain Management, Lieutenant General Molefe Fani, with committee chairperson Ian Cameron describing the move as “long overdue” and necessary to restore accountability within the service.
Cameron said the anticipated suspension marks a critical step in addressing longstanding concerns around procurement governance and alleged misconduct linked to Fani’s previous roles in government. He stressed that SAPS leadership must demonstrate that consequence management is being enforced and is not merely rhetorical.
According to Cameron, the committee has repeatedly raised concerns about Fani’s continued presence in a senior procurement position despite findings contained in a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report. The report relates to alleged procurement irregularities during the COVID-19 period while Fani was at National Treasury.
“The imminent consequence management against Lt General Fani is long overdue and signifies that the leadership of the South African Police Service is not merely paying lip service on accountability and consequence management,” Cameron said.
He further questioned the decision to appoint Fani to a senior SAPS procurement role in light of the SIU’s findings, arguing that the appointment placed him in control of procurement within one of the state’s largest departments despite unresolved allegations.
“Despite a damning Special Investigating Unit report containing serious allegations against Lt General Fani, he was appointed to a senior SAPS position, placing him in charge of procurement for one of the largest state departments. This raises further questions that require investigation,” he said.
The committee also linked Fani’s leadership role to the controversial Medicare Tshwane contract matter, noting that the procurement scandal adds to concerns about his suitability for continued service in such a sensitive position. Cameron said there is already a documented record in the SIU report suggesting possible subversion of procurement policies during his earlier tenure.
He acknowledged that a criminal case related to the Medicare Tshwane matter is still ongoing but argued that existing state findings already justify immediate disciplinary action. “While the ongoing criminal case will provide clarity on his role in the Tshwane Medicare matter, there is already a state report that necessitates action,” he said.
Beyond the individual case, the committee highlighted what it described as a broader and recurring problem in the public service, where officials accused of wrongdoing are transferred between departments instead of being held accountable.
Cameron warned that this practice undermines governance and weakens institutional integrity.
The committee also pointed to escalating financial concerns within SAPS procurement structures, noting that irregular expenditure reached approximately R640 million in the 2024/25 financial year.
This represents a significant increase of around 140%, despite Fani’s division being responsible for ensuring compliance in procurement processes.
Cameron said these developments point to deeper systemic challenges in ethical leadership and oversight within the police service.
He added that accountability must extend beyond suspensions and include proper disciplinary processes that are concluded without unnecessary delay.
“In the short to medium term, suspensions are necessary, but they are not a substitute for long-term accountability.
There must be effective consequence management for any SAPS official implicated in wrongdoing,” he said.
As part of broader reform efforts, the committee has called for lifestyle audits and skills assessments of senior SAPS leadership to strengthen governance and restore public confidence.
The Portfolio Committee on Police is expected to engage SAPS leadership in the coming weeks to review the number of suspended officials, the duration of suspensions, and measures being implemented to fast-track disciplinary proceedings.
This article was originally posted by IOL
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