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Phahlane fraud trial postponed to allow Local Government Elections vote

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

The R54 million fraud and corruption trial of former Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and five co-accused will now start next Monday. It was due to begin on Tuesday, and all parties agreed to the delay.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) is prosecuting the case. Its spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said all parties agreed to the postponement. The delay lets the Local Government Elections conclude and lets accused who live outside Gauteng vote.

The charges relate to two police software purchases from 2015 that the state calls irregular. Mamothame said the first software was meant for use during the #feesmustfall protests in October 2015. He said the second software was allegedly used to wipe cell phone records and messages while the Hawks were investigating Phahlane over the blue lights police tender.

Phahlane has said he is innocent.

Key facts

Who
Khomotso Phahlane (former Acting National Police Commissioner, accused in the R54 million fraud…); Henry Mamothame (Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson); Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (prosecuting body in the trial); Siphesihle Nhlapo
What
The trial, scheduled to start on Tuesday 3 November 2026, was postponed by agreement of all parties to allow the conclusion of the Local Government Elections and to give accused residing outside Gauteng an opportunity to vote. The accused face charges linked to two allegedly irregular police software procurements dating back to 2015.
When
3 November 2026
Where
Gauteng
Status
Reported

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