Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has denied claims that he ordered police to submit sensitive case dockets, some carrying J50 arrest warrants, for his personal oversight, calling the allegations “misleading” and unsupported by evidence.

This was revealed by the Sedibeng District Commissioner Brig. Mbangwa Nkwashu, who alleged before the Madlanga Commission that such dockets were requested at the highest political level.

Among them, he said, was the docket linked to the fatal shooting of engineer Armand Swart, gunned down outside his Vereeniging office in April 2024.

In response, the Gauteng government insisted that the premier never issued such instructions.

Provincial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga described Nkwashu’s testimony as “baffling,” pointing instead to a letter from Provincial Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni.

According to Mhlanga, the letter clearly states that it was Mthombeni, not Lesufi, who requested the dockets.

It further clarified that the handling of wanted suspects and J50 warrants falls within the operational domain of SAPS leadership, specifically under Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Khumalo, working alongside Crime Intelligence.

“The premier respects the separation of powers and does not interfere in police operations,” Mhlanga said, underscoring that Lesufi’s office only received routine briefings on crime-fighting strategies.

Lesufi has now challenged Nkwashu to produce written proof of any directive allegedly issued. Without it, the premier argues, the claims risk distorting official records and undermining public trust.

 “We support the work of the commission,” Lesufi said.

“But we will correct any misleading statements through proper legal channels.”

He also cautioned against sensationalism, urging stakeholders to allow the commission to complete its work without interference.

Originally published IOL