22 April 2026

The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Mpumalanga has received with dismay the recent revelations by the suspended Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, that exposes the long claims of the SACP of the involvement of the law enforcement officers in undermining the laws of the country and justice to the families of those who lost their loved ones.

The none closure of any of the political killing’s cases in the province had become a clear indication of complicity of police officials both in the province and national. This goes without saying that this complicity goes beyond police into both political and business space. 

The disclosures have legitimized the long-standing call by the SACP, of genuine inquest into all these cases so as to being about closure and justice to families of the deceased. This of course absolves the Party on its continued campaigns but does not represent victory as these cases remain dormant.

Capitalism has once more proven that it is inherently corrupt ensuring through its state apparatus that it breeds crisis to the people of Mpumalanga, South Africa and the world as a whole. The SACP remains steadfast as the loyal and committed champion of the people’s justice in the course for social justice. Our unwavering pursuit has unfortunately landed us into serious confrontations that further exacerbated the injustice and the rot in the state as none of the further cases were closed with arrests but instead, we became victims of anti-communist attacks that were violent on their own.

On 25 January 2015, when Mpumalanga communists commemorated the murder of former Mbombela Speaker, Jimmy Mohlala, they were attacked in broad daylight, in front of the Kanyamazane Police Station. These attacks, and other unresolved cases, like the murder of Sammy Mpatlanyane and Bomber Ntshangase, have long raised questions about the integrity of law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.

It is now beginning to make sense why these cases, including the murder of former Mbombela Speaker Jimmy Mohlala, were never resolved. Manamela’s allegations point to a scheme by senior police officials to obstruct justice and shield suspects from prosecution, including those implicated in the murder of Jimmy Mohlala.

The SACP is also acutely aware of the role played by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), as exposed by State Prosecutor Advocate Patrick Nkuna during the Mbombela Stadium corruption case in 2012. These actions effectively denied justice to victims and their families. The role of the Hawks, as a specialised crime-fighting unit, must also be thoroughly scrutinised for their involvement and handling of these cases.

Given the gravity of the allegations and the lack of progress in resolving them, the SACP demands of the President to immediately include these matters of the Mpumalanga Political Killings on the ongoing National Political Killings interventions program:

• That they be included into the ongoing Madlanga commission. 
• An independent, and transparent investigation into all allegations of police complicity, political interference, and corruption related to political killings in Mpumalanga. This investigation must be conducted by IPID, so as to look into the acts of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Hawks and the judiciary in Mpumalanga, to ensure impartiality and restore public confidence in the justice system.
• A thorough investigation into the role of the NPA and the Hawks in the handling and resolution of these cases, including their internal conflicts and any actions that may have contributed to the obstruction of justice.
• Full protection for whistleblowers and witnesses, including Lieutenant General Manamela, to ensure their safety and encourage others to come forward with information.
• Swift prosecution of all those found to be involved, regardless of their rank or political connections, to send a clear message that no one is above the law.

The SACP stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and all those who continue to fight against corruption and political violence. We will not rest until justice is served and the rule of law is restored in Mpumalanga.

Issued by: South African Communist Party (SACP) – Mpumalanga Province
Date: 22 April 2026
Contact: Lucky Mbuyane: (082) 351-5804

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FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
 
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