Madlanga Commission hears ex-JMPD superintendent allegedly deployed police to guard Lenasia liquor business - IOL

JMPD superintendent Elmarie de Beer has accused his predecessor, Phineas Manyama of abusing the unit’s resources for him benefit.

Madlanga Commission heard that former Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) superintendent Phineas Manyama allegedly deployed police vehicles and different officers to safeguard a friend’s liquor business in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.

The current superintendent, Elmarie de Beer told the commission on Tuesday that officers would rotate at the establishment in what seemed like shifts.

“They (officers) would be there for two hours; when they leave, others come and park for another two hours,” she said.

“JMPD departmental vehicles to have officers stand guard at the premises of a friend who deals in alcohol”.

The commission also heard that Manyama would direct officers away from areas where criminal syndicates were allegedly operating.

According to De Beer, Manyama had allegedly abused his position and departmental resources in a series of incidents involving suspected criminal activity.

But the allegations went beyond the alleged protection of the liquor business.

De Beer said Manyama allegedly decided where JMPD officers could operate and designated certain areas as “no-go” zones for ordinary policing.

“He decided which officers could operate in which areas and designated certain areas as ‘no-go’ areas for ordinary policing purposes, apparently to protect syndicate activity taking place there,” she said.

The commission also heard that Manyama allegedly arranged for Tactical Response Unit (TRU) members to escort trucks transporting stolen copper to a criminal syndicate.

The officers were allegedly rewarded with a share of the proceeds.

In a separate incident involving a suspected drug transaction, TRU officers allegedly pursued a black Ford Ranger and requested SAPS backup.

De Beer said Manyama later contacted the officers and instructed them to abandon the pursuit after reportedly being shown a photograph of the JMPD vehicle taken by occupants of the Ranger.

The officers were also allegedly ordered to withdraw from another operation after discovering five bricks of suspected cocaine.

According to De Beer, the officers continued investigating and found another 12 bricks of suspected cocaine at the suspect’s home.

The suspect was arrested and a case was opened at Booysens Police Station.

Manyama retired on April 2, 2026, before disciplinary proceedings could begin.

De Beer said JMPD believed it lacked sufficient evidence to investigate and charge him.

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned why the allegations had not been referred to SAPS, stressing that JMPD was not required to prove criminal guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Manyama later attempted to return to JMPD but was rejected.

De Beer has completed her testimony, with another witness expected to appear before the commission.