R54m corruption trial: State says Phahlane, co-accused cost police chance to secure cheaper software

Former national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and five others face allegations of depriving the South African Police Service (Saps) of the chance to secure more cost-effective software solutions through a competitive bidding process. The trial, which resumed on Thursday, 12 November 2026 at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, centres on two software contracts worth approximately R54 million awarded in 2016.

Phahlane is among six accused individuals, including Major-General Maanda Obert Nemutanzhela, former major-general Mankosana Agnes Makhele, former lieutenant-colonel Godfrey Mahwayi, businessmen Inbanathan Kistiah and Avendra Naidoo, and a company called Brainwave Projects 1323 CC. The trial has been postponed to allow for the conclusion of local government elections.

The alleged irregularities involve Ripjar, a social media surveillance tool, and Daedalus, a mobile communications security system. Prosecutors claim that false information was provided about the two companies, creating the illusion they were separate and independent bidders, and that Phahlane and his co-accused were aware of this deception.

The prosecution argues that this prevented Saps from selecting the most cost-effective option and that the procurement process was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective, thus not complying with South African law.