The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla John Sitole has learnt with shock and dismay the allegations made by the Minister of Police, that he (the National Commissioner) had plotted with EFF Leader Mr Julius Malema against the Police Minister.

The National Commissioner confirms that he met with Mr Julius Malema, a meeting which was initiated by the Ministry of Police and the meeting was held specifically at the behest of the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Charlie Mathale.

The Deputy Minister requested General Sitole to meet with Mr Julius Malema to address potential threats against him (Mr Malema).

Mr Malema met with the National Commissioner and the Head of Protection and Security Services, Lieutenant General Sam Shitlabane in 2020 at the Tshwane Training Academy. The meeting was solely about the alleged threats against Mr Malema and nothing else to which feedback was provided to the Deputy Minister.

The National Commissioner was under the impression that the Minister was aware about the content of that meeting given that it was facilitated by his Deputy.

During the television interview with the minister On SONA 2022, on the 11th of February 2022, he indicated that the national Commissioner was not in attendance at the SONA. This is also not correct. The National Commissioner is invited by the President as it is customary to do so in each SONA. Same was done this year and the National Commissioner attended the SONA of 2022. The records of parliament will confirm the National Commissioner’s attendance.

The National Commissioner is amazed by the fact that his name and image is being tarnished for political reasons. He decided to issue this statement of clarity since his name is mentioned in parliament and it’s important for such an institution to know and understand the facts.

Source: South African Police Service