Whistleblower claims dismissal followed refusal to fund ANC grabber at Polokwane

The former head of finance in the Police’s Crime Intelligence Unit, Tiyani Hlungwani, has told parliament that former minister Bheki Cele targeted him for refusing to sign off on the purchase of a grabber for the African National Congress’s Nasrec conference.

Hlungwani is giving oral evidence before the parliament ad hoc committee investigating police corruption and has told MPs about his dismissal in 2024.

He believes he was removed because of his anti-corruption stance.

It's the third day of public hearings before the ad hoc committee.

Tiyani Hlungwani was the head of finance for administrative services in the police’s crime intelligence unit before his dismissal.

Hlungwani, a chartered accountant, alleges that corruption and cronyism are widespread in the police.

He also told committee member Sibonelo Nomvalo that his problems with the police started after he refused to approve a cellphone grabber for the ANC’s 55th conference.

"You are saying that because you refused to authorise a grabber thereafter, you became a target?" 

Hlungwani says this was the only reason.

"The attacks started from there, attack after attack."

Hlungwani also tells the committee that he was paid R6 million while sitting at home during his suspension