Former Deputy National Police Commissioner for Support Services Francinah Vuma says she invoked the Protected Disclosures Act while investigating alleged wrongdoing linked to several high-profile cases within the South African Police Service.
Vuma told an Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the justice system that she sought protection as a whistleblower while handling sensitive investigations.
She testified that in 2022, shortly before her suspension, she briefed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola about several ongoing cases, including one involving former acting National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane.
According to Vuma, the cases included disciplinary matters involving senior officers such as Lieutenant-General Shezi and two cases involving Lieutenant-General Jacobs that were pending before the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council.
She said another matter involving Phahlane was still pending in the Labour Court at the time.
Vuma told the committee that when she raised these cases with Masemola, he questioned why the investigations were still ongoing and suggested they be dropped.
“I explained the importance of the cases and why they needed to be finalised,” she said during her testimony.