By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has noted with concern a WhatsApp message currently circulating on various social media platforms, which seeks to implicate the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga in an alleged demand for payment in connection with a criminal case docket. The Office of the Provincial Commissioner wishes to place it on record that the allegations contained in the circulating message are false and without any factual basis.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said Ngubelanga has not demanded or solicited any payment in exchange for the handling, withdrawal or any other action relating to a case docket. Gamieldien said the SAPS Northern Cape strongly condemns the dissemination of false and misleading information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and integrity of senior police officials and undermining public confidence in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The members of the public are urged to exercise caution and refrain from forwarding or sharing unverified messages on social media platforms. The circulation of false information can cause unnecessary alarm and may have serious consequences for individuals who are falsely implicated.
“The SAPS Northern Cape further emphasises that any allegation of corruption, extortion or criminal conduct involving a police official should be reported through the appropriate law-enforcement channels, where such allegations can be properly investigated,” she said.
Gamieldien further said the SAPS remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the execution of its constitutional mandate. She added that any person with credible information relating to alleged criminal conduct is encouraged to approach the relevant authorities rather than resorting to the circulation of unverified allegations on social media.
“The SAPS Northern Cape will not be distracted by attempts to undermine the credibility of the organisation or its members through the dissemination of malicious and unsubstantiated information.
“The public is further advised that appropriate steps will be considered against persons responsible for creating and circulating defamatory content, where there is sufficient evidence to do so,” said Gamieldien.
The Guardian 