Who Controls SAPS? Phahlane Testimony Exposes a Dangerous Power Struggle

Описание: General Khomotso Phahlane, former Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, appeared before the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee, and his testimony has ignited intense public debate — not only about his conduct, but also about the conduct of the evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse.

Many members of the public believe the evidence leader failed to properly lead evidence-in-chief, instead adopting an aggressive and interrogative approach from the outset. Critics argue that this blurred the line between leading evidence and cross-examination, while others feel General Phahlane himself struggled to maintain composure and appeared emotional and defensive throughout the proceedings.

This video unpacks both sides.

On the one hand, General Phahlane detailed:
His dismissal and treatment by the Minister of Police
Allegations surrounding procurement contracts and surveillance systems
Claims relating to property ownership and valuation
Allegations about blue-light tenders

His version of events around disputed contracts for camera systems that were allegedly never delivered

On the other hand, serious questions arise about the role of Paul O’Sullivan and individuals allegedly aligned with him, including figures such as Robert McBride, Shadrack Sibiya, and others, whom Phahlane claims orchestrated sustained legal and personal attacks against him and his family.

Phahlane testified that his conflict with O’Sullivan escalated after he refused to dismiss General Mthandazo Munu, allegedly against pressure placed upon him. From that point, Phahlane claims, he became a target — raising deeper questions about who really holds power inside SAPS.

This hearing exposes what appears to be a broader struggle:
A battle for control over the police
The influence of private individuals over state institutions
The role of intelligence, procurement, and selective accountability
Allegations involving so-called “Big Five” figures and protection networks

The central question remains:
Is this about accountability — or about control?
This video critically analyses the testimony, the conduct of the evidence leader, and the broader implications for policing, governance, and the rule of law in South Africa.

⚖️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This video discusses testimony, allegations, and public proceedings. No findings of guilt are made. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law. The content is presented for public interest, analysis, and commentary purposes.

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timestamp:
00:00 INTRODUCTION
00:58 EVIDFENCE LEADER ASCCUSES GENERAL PHAHLANE OF MISLEADING EVIDENCE
01:28 BACKGROUND OF THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PHAHLANE
04:43 EVIDENCE LEADER FAILED TO LEAD THE EVIDENCE IN CHIEF
05:54 EVIDENCE LEADER SUPPORTING AN UNUSUAL ACT FROM PAUL O'SULLIVAN
07:24 MINISTER PIETER GROENEWALD CALLS PAUL O'SULLIVANS ACTIONS IRREGULAR
08:21 WHY EVIDENCE LEADER STAYED LONGER ON THE LABOUR MATTER?
10:12 WAS PHAHLANE FRUSTRATED & RUDE?
11:10 "DONT TRUST NKABINDE" SAYS EVIDENCE LEADER
13:08 ROLE OF FIKILE MBALULA & POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
15:43 GENERAL PHAHALANE FAILED TO FOLOW O'SULLIVANS INSTRUCTION TO REMOVE GENERAL MUNU
17:04 WHO CONTROLS THE SAPS?
20:27 IS PHAHLANE INNOCENT?
22:42 CONCLUDING REMARKS