Johannesburg: Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) District Commissioner for Sedibeng Abraham Nkhwashu has issued a formal apology to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi following controversial testimony made before the Madlanga Commission that appeared to implicate the Premier in the handling of police dockets.
During his testimony, Nkwashu suggested that Lesufi had been involved in requesting sensitive police documents, saying he was instructed to collect all case dockets that had a J50 warrant of arrest and to submit them to the deputy provincial commissioner of detective services, Major General Dumisani Khumalo.
“General Khumalo was to oversee those investigations as directed by the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi. The instructions were not limited to the Katiso case. It applied to many dockets from all five districts in Gauteng,” he added.
However, in a letter of apology sent to Lesufi, seen by Gauteng Today News, Nkwashu retracted these remarks and acknowledged that his statements created a false impression that Lesufi may have acted improperly or interfered in police processes.
In the letter the brigadier clarifies that his testimony stemmed from a misunderstanding and a “mix-up of different issues,” stressing that all available facts confirm that Lesufi was never involved in the transfer of the dockets.
“I regret that my words created the impression that you acted improperly, engaged in political interference, or behaved unethically,” Nkwashu wrote, adding that he never intended to damage the Premier’s reputation.
“I am sincerely sorry for any embarrassment or hurt my remarks may have caused you. I respect your position and your commitment to lawful and accountable governance,” Nkwashu added.
The apology comes amid heightened scrutiny of police conduct and governance issues being examined by the Madlanga Commission, which is probing allegations of misconduct and potential collusion within policing structures.
Lesufi has denied any involvement in operational police matters, maintaining that he has never interfered in police operations or requested case dockets from law enforcement authorities.
The Premier has also reiterated his respect for the independence of the SAPS and the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
