PRETORIA (Azat TV) – Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Chief Yolande Faro appeared before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday to address mounting allegations of systemic corruption and tender manipulation within her ranks. Her testimony marks a critical phase in the inquiry, as she forcefully distanced her leadership from illicit procurement activities while acknowledging significant administrative failures that have compromised the department’s integrity.
Addressing Corruption and Unauthorized Interference
Faro, who assumed her role in October 2023, faced intense questioning regarding the alleged siphoning of municipal funds into unauthorized accounts. During the proceedings, she explicitly denied any departmental authorization for Sergeant Fannie Nkosi—an SAPS officer from the Gauteng organized crime unit—to involve himself in TMPD tender processes. Faro stated, “I hate criminals in uniform,” emphasizing that those found complicit in corruption would face strict consequence management. Her testimony highlighted a departmental culture where oversight mechanisms were reportedly bypassed to favor specific contractors.
Security Vetting Failures Exposed
The inquiry took a sharp turn when commissioners confronted Faro about the lack of security clearances for senior staff, including deputy chiefs. While Faro confirmed she personally maintains top-secret clearance from the State Security Agency, she admitted that the department had failed to ensure equivalent vetting for all high-ranking subordinates. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo challenged Faro on her responsibility for these subordinates, to which she conceded that the department had “taken it for granted.” This revelation has raised alarms regarding the potential for sensitive intelligence and procurement systems to be exploited by unvetted officials.
Internal Accountability and Reform
The commission’s ongoing investigation into suspended Deputy Chief Umashi Dhlamini remains a focal point, as evidence suggests he manipulated procurement processes and failed to disclose conflicts of interest. Faro confirmed that she processed the suspension of Dhlamini as part of her broader effort to purge rogue elements from the organization. She advocated for mandatory, compulsory security vetting for all senior officials, arguing that these administrative lapses have directly eroded public trust and national security stability. The testimony underscores a deepening crisis of governance within the TMPD, suggesting that while current leadership is moving to excise corruption, the systemic failure to vet high-level officials has created a legacy of vulnerability that complicates immediate reform efforts.